Camp votes to get more Homeland Security dollars to Michigan faster

Camp votes to get more Homeland Security dollars to Michigan faster

Washington, DC - Making threat levels a key factor in determining how much federal homeland security dollars a state gets, U.S. Rep. Dave Camp (R-Midland) voted in favor of the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.

"Under the old rules, states like Wyoming and Vermont were getting more money per capita than a large border state like Michigan," said Camp, a former member of the Homeland Security Committee. "The reforms we have made today will improve the process by which homeland security funding is given to states and passed on to first responders. Most importantly, it prioritizes applications for funding based on threat and consequences of a terrorist attack."

Under current funding formulas, all states are guaranteed at least 75% of appropriated funding for their state preparedness programs. The remaining 25% is distributed on the basis of need. Under that model Michigan ranks 48th among states for amount of Homeland Security funding per capita.

The bill requires recipients of the funding to have approved homeland security plans in place before receiving funding, and must fall within statewide plans. Additionally, states will be required to distribute funds to local entities within 45 days or receiving federal funds.

The legislation also requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop standards for first responder equipment and training, as well as establish goals for national preparedness. This is to help states and localities to avoid wasteful spending, and improve their preparedness for credible threats.

http://wwwc.house.gov/camp/newsarticle.asp?RecordID=790