Feingold Discusses First Responders Support Act at Local Listening Sessions Legislation Will Give First Responders a Voice in the Department of Homeland Security April 21, 2003 Mauston, WI - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold discussed his legislation to improve support for local first responders. The First Responders Support Act will improve programs that support first responders, require more local input in establishing state offices, and ensure that first responders are able to advise federal agencies. “We must ensure that first responders have the resources that they need to serve our communities,” Feingold said. “The First Responder Support Act aims to promote effective coordination among federal agencies under the Department of Homeland Security and ensure that people in the new Department seek first responders’ valuable input.” Feingold’s First Responders Support Act would: • Establish a homeland security liaison officer in each state, to coordinate between the proposed Department of Homeland Security and state and local first responders • Direct agencies within the proposed Department of Homeland Security to coordinate and prioritize their activities that support first responders, and at the same time, ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars • Establish a new advisory committee of people from the first responder community to identify and streamline effective programs “The President proposed a massive shift in the federal government by creating a new Department of Homeland Security,” Feingold said. “Nobody will feel the impact of these changes more than those on the front lines, our law enforcement, firefighters, rescue workers, EMS providers, and other first responders. If a Department of Homeland Security is to be effective, we need to ensure that the resources are delivered to the front line personnel in an effective and coordinated manner.” Feingold held his 24th Listening Session of 2003, and his 744th since he was first elected, at Juneau County Courthouse in Mauston, starting at 9.00 a.m. He held his 25th Listening Session of 2003, and his 745th since he was first elected, at the Western Wisconsin Technical College Campus in Tomah, starting at 11:00 a.m. He held his 26th Listening Session of 2003, and his 746th since he was first elected and the Northfield Town Hall, starting at 3:00 p.m. This is the eleventh year that Feingold has held Listening Sessions in every Wisconsin county.

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