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 Congress recently acted to restore these cuts.  The House Appropriations Committee approved a $230 million allocation for SAFER in the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.  Additionally, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation containing $190 million for SAFER.  The bills approved by the House and Senate Committees are expected to be considered further by the Congress 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