IAFF LEGISLATIVE FACT SHEET
 

FUNDING FOR SAFER AND AFG

The IAFF supports funding SAFER and AFG at $420 million each in Fiscal Year 2011.

BACKGROUND

To address the critical staffing shortages facing fire departments across the nation, Congress enacted the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Fire Fighters Act in 2003.  Under SAFER, fire departments can apply for federal grants to help pay the costs associated with hiring new personnel in order to maintain safe staffing levels.  Since its inception, the SAFER grant program has awarded nearly $500 million in grants, helping to address fire fighter shortages in local departments in all fifty states.  The critical importance of adequate fire department staffing has been well documented by independent studies. Both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the consensus standards making body of the fire service, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promulgated standards for the minimum number of fire fighters needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. An estimated two-thirds of all jurisdictions do not currently meet these safe staffing levels.

SAFER's sister program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) was created to fund the critical training, equipment and health and safety needs of the fire service.  Since 2001, AFG has provided over four billion dollars to thousands of fire departments across the nation, and has proved to be extremely effective for those communities which have received such funding. 

Unfortunately, the weak economy is causing communities nationwide to reduce fire department staffing through layoffs, attrition and other reductions in force.  Downsizing among fire departments results in longer response times and an increased threat to public safety and local preparedness, placing communities and their citizens at risk.  The economy has also forced to delay critical training, equipment purchases, and other crucial activities.

SAFER was funded at $420 million in Fiscal Year 2010, while AFG was funded at $390 million.  In his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2001, President Obama proposed funding each program at $305 million.

Continued robust funding of SAFER and AFG will help ensure that communities have the resources needed to protect the public safety. 

CURRENT LEGISLATION

U.S. Senate:          S. 3607, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2011
                             Sponsor:  Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)

Summary:             S. 3607 provides funding for the Department of Homeland Security for Fiscal Year
                             2011.  Among its provisions, the bill provides $420 million for SAFER and $390 for
                             AFG. 

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION

On February 1, 2010, the Administration released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011.  The proposal includes $305 million for SAFER and $305 million for AFG. 

On June 24, 2010, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved the FY2011 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, including $420 million for SAFER and $420 million for AFG.

On July 14, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved S. 3607, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2011.  As approved, the bill provides $420 million for SAFER and $390 for AFG. 

On July 17, 2010, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved S. 3607.