CONGRESSMAN ALAN GRAYSON PROUDLY SERVING FLORIDA’S 8th DISTRICT

Today, Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-08) joined Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-03) for an event hosted by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. Mayor Dyer organized the formal event to thank the members of Congress for their efforts in securing a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant that helped prevent 46 Orlando firefighters from losing their jobs. Congressman Grayson’s office has championed this grant since the beginning of the process by writing an official letter of support, and worked with the issuing agency, along with the City, to bring the grant to fruition.

Congressman Grayson said, “I am proud to have played a role in securing the SAFER funds to help Orlando’s Fire Department. Unfortunately, cities everywhere are facing similar budget gaps, but federal grants like these are helping improve the lives of people in Central Florida and keep all of us safe, even in the face of economic difficulty.”

“The men and women of the Orlando Fire Department work hard every day to keep the residents of our City safe,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Our members of Congress have worked equally hard to make sure those firefighters remain on the job.  I am incredibly thankful for their partnership in our successful effort to secure this grant.”

The City applied for the grant earlier this year when it appeared that the firefighters’ positions might have to be eliminated in order to bridge an anticipated budget gap due to the effects of the recession. The City was notified of its award in July. The federal government will begin paying out the grant in November.

The $8.4 million dollar grant will cover the firefighters’ salaries and benefits for a two-year period with no matching funds required.

“This funding is of utmost importance to the City of Orlando. Clearly, it is absolutely crucial for our city to keep our residents safe during an emergency. Certainly, the valiant and hard working men and women of the Orlando Fire Department more than deserve to continue working to safeguard our city during these difficult economic times,” said Congresswoman Brown.

Congressman Grayson’s office employs a full-time grants coordinator, who focuses solely on helping people navigate the arduous federal grants process. The results have been spectacular. The amount of federal grant dollars for Florida’s 8th Congressional District increased by 98% during the Congressman’s first year in office.