Funding for SAFER

Adequately staffed fire departments are critical to fire fighter and public safety, yet two-thirds of fire departments are understaffed.  SAFER grants can help fire departments hire additional fire fighters, ensuring that they have sufficient numbers of adequately trained personnel to respond to emergency situations quickly and safely.  Yet, Congress consistently shortchanges this important program.   

Although the President eliminated all funding for the SAFER program in his Fiscal Year 2009 budget proposal, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security recently restored these funding cuts, recommending a $230 million allocation for SAFER in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.  This legislation is expected to be considered further by the U.S. House of Representatives later this year. 

For more information about SAFER funding and current congressional action, click here:  Fact Sheet

Learn more about why SAFER funding is critical for our nation's fire fighters:  Key Points

In March, 2008, 121 Representatives and 33 Senators signed IAFF-backed letters to House and Senate Appropriators to request increased funding for SAFER in the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations bills.  See if your Representative and Senators support IAFF efforts to increase funding for SAFER in Fiscal Year 2009:

List of Members who Signed Letters