SIA Claims President's FY09 Budget Plan Shortchanges Security

Feb 5, 2008 3:09 PM

           

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has sharply criticized President Bush's FY 2009 spending plan, calling the proposed reductions in security grants programs "shortsighted and irresponsible."

Recently released, the FY09 budget significantly reduces funding levels for port security, public transit and school security grant programs.

"The President's proposed budget jeopardizes our national and economic security," says Richard Chace, executive director and CEO, The Security Industry Association. "This shortsighted and irresponsible plan does not provide nearly enough funding to secure our nation's critical infrastructure. The safety of our ports, schools and public transit systems are top priorities for The Security Industry Association and we will continue working with members of the House and Senate to get these grant programs funded at necessary levels."

Security grants programs impacted by the president's FY09 spending plan:

Port Security Grant Program -- provides funds for port facilities to strengthen security and comply with new federal mandates. In the 2005 Safe Port Act, Congress authorized $400 million in annual funding for five years. In FY 2008, the program was fully funded at $400 million. The President's FY 2009 budget request is for $210 million.

SIA will work with The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and Reps. Sanchez (D-Calif.), Reichert (R-Wash.) and Sens. Coleman (R-Minn.), Collins (R-ME), Lieberman (Conn.-I), Murray (D-Wash.) and Cantwell (D-Wash.) to restore full funding for the program.

Transit Security Grant Program -- provides funds for public transportation agencies to make security improvements including the acquisition of perimeter protection, access control, fencing, surveillance equipment and fire suppression equipment. Funded at $388.6 million in 2008, the President's FY09 budget request is for $175 million.

SIA in partnership with The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will work with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Ranking Member Peter King (R-N.Y.), and the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) to secure full funding.

Secure Our Schools Program -- provides up to 50 percent of the total cost for communities to install metal detectors, locks, lighting and other equipment to help deter and prevent crime and disorder. The grants can also be used to pay half of the cost of security assessments, security training, and any other measure that will provide a significant improvement in security. Funded in FY 2008 at $15.04 million, the President did not request any funds for this program in FY09.

Managed through the COPS Office of the Justice Department, the Secure our Schools grant program was funded in the FY2008 Omnibus appropriations bill at $15.04 million annually, considerably less than the $50 million proposed in legislation by Rep. Rothman (D-N.J.). Last fall, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed S. 2084, which included funding the school security provisions at $50 million for FY2008 and FY2009. SIA will work with Rep. Rothman and key members of the House and Senate to get this program funded at $50 million.

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