President's budget cuts crucial funding for America's firefighters

By Southern Maryland Online

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul S. Sarbanes (both D-Md.) criticized the lack of essential funding for America's firefighters in President Bush's FY 2007 budget, which was released today. Federal fire grants are distributed through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

The President's budget cuts $244 million in federal support for the AFG program. The program was funded at $524.44 million for FY 2006, and is funded at only $280.5 million based on today's figures. In addition, the President's budget eliminates funding for firefighter staffing (SAFER) grants, which received $105.8 million in FY 2006.

"How can the President support Homeland Security when he has cut the most valuable funding source for America's firefighters? We need to support our first responders with more than just words," said Senator Mikulski. "Firefighters risk their lives to protect others. We need to protect our protectors with the best equipment training and resources. I will continue to fight this year for a federal investment in the safety of our first responders."

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