A last priority?

Fair federal funding is vital to New York’s preparedness efforts. For every dollar New Yorkers send to Washington, we get back only 85 cents - ranking our state 40th in the nation, according to a recent estimate by the non-partisan Tax Foundation. The Business Council of New York State found also that for fiscal years 2000 and 2001, New York was shortchanged nearly $87 billion from the federal government. And when it comes to all-important federal anti-terrorism funding, New York State’s share per capita ranks close to last among the 50 states.

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our state, New York’s emergency first responders have been required to increase their already substantial responsibilities by preparing for threats and emergencies on a scale we’d never previously imagined.

First Responders, including fire, police and emergency medical services, are the critical component of New York State’s emergency response structure. September 11, 2001, highlighted their important role in responding to chemical and biological threats including anthrax scares.

On March 8, 2004, as part of an ongoing commitment to safeguard our communities, the Assembly held a hearing in Albany, New York entitled “Emergency First Responders: Equipment, Recruitment and Training.” The hearing provided a forum for First Responders to identify their needs and concerns relating to New York’s emergency response preparedness. First Responders from across the State testified about problems with existing preparedness efforts including funding, planning and coordination.

At the hearing, First Responders consistently identified four themes:

• Inadequate federal funding
• Outdated or obsolete radio equipment and communication systems
• Statewide equipment shortages
• Insufficient access to training