Russ Feingold: Press Release

FEINGOLD URGES SUPPORT FOR WISCONSIN FIREFIGHTERS
In Letter to FEMA, Feingold Supports Wisconsin Fire Department Grant Requests

April 28, 2008

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold is supporting Wisconsin Fire Departments in their requests for assistance by urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give full and fair consideration to the requests. In a letter to FEMA, Feingold wrote in support of the 713 applications from Wisconsin fire departments for the 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, also known as FIRE Act grants. The resources provided by the grant program help local fire departments purchase new equipment, hire and train staff, and meet other critical firefighting needs.

“I hear firsthand from firefighters in Wisconsin how important these grants are in ensuring our first responders are prepared to protect our communities,” Feingold said. “I’ve been pleased to support this program over the years and I will continue to do what I can to ensure our firefighters get the resources they need.”

Feingold has long been a strong supporter of FIRE grants. Following the Bush administration’s attempt to significantly cut funding for the program this year, Feingold joined a bipartisan effort urging Senate appropriators to increase the funding. According to FEMA, in 2007, Wisconsin received 200 grant awards totaling $18,995,151.

“In this difficult fiscal climate, FIRE Act grants take on an increased importance,” Feingold wrote in the letter. “I respectfully request that you give each one of the Wisconsin grant applications full and fair consideration so that we can make sure Wisconsin firefighters have the resources they need to protect our communities.”


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