The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Stimulus Bill Signed Today: What you need to do next
President Obama is set to sign the economic stimulus law today. As detailed in a previous post, the law includes significant funds for public safety. A new report from Galain Solutions indicates that the range of total funds available is anywhere from $4 billion to $13.8 billion for local public safety. The range is so large because of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. The vast majority of the Stabilization Fund would go to education, but governors can spend 18 percent of their allotment—over $9.7 billion—on public safety and other government services.
While the stimulus bill promises some relief, public safety agencies can’t just sit back and relax. Galain’s report suggests the following:
• Get prepared. Now is the time to start making plans, even if the rules are not 100 percent clear at this point. This applies to both buyers and sellers.
• Be heard. Use your contacts in your governor’s office and with your local legislators to express your opinions about spending the state stabilization funds. Remember, most of the money is allocated for education, but the relatively small percentage that could be spent on public safety is still a significant amount of money.
• Be informed. Federal and state officials will now scramble to figure out how to administer this large amount of money. They’ll then start publicizing the rules for applying for the money. Pay attention, and use your contacts with state administrators to get as much advance notice as possible.
• Prepare for oversight. Despite the pressures to move quickly, new oversight requirements will likely come from Washington. Plus, local procurement rules aren’t waived just because grant money is involved.
•Expect competition. This is true for both buyers and sellers. Be assured that the funds will attract vendors who’ve not competed in public safety markets before. This can be good and bad. Strong solutions and credible stories will be at a premium. It will be important for vendors to stick to fundamentals – good solutions, strong service, solid relationships with buyers, and most importantly, integrity. On the “buy side”, there will be competition over which programs should get funding.
The full report will be available on the Galain Web site later today.
While the stimulus bill promises some relief, public safety agencies can’t just sit back and relax. Galain’s report suggests the following:
• Get prepared. Now is the time to start making plans, even if the rules are not 100 percent clear at this point. This applies to both buyers and sellers.
• Be heard. Use your contacts in your governor’s office and with your local legislators to express your opinions about spending the state stabilization funds. Remember, most of the money is allocated for education, but the relatively small percentage that could be spent on public safety is still a significant amount of money.
• Be informed. Federal and state officials will now scramble to figure out how to administer this large amount of money. They’ll then start publicizing the rules for applying for the money. Pay attention, and use your contacts with state administrators to get as much advance notice as possible.
• Prepare for oversight. Despite the pressures to move quickly, new oversight requirements will likely come from Washington. Plus, local procurement rules aren’t waived just because grant money is involved.
•Expect competition. This is true for both buyers and sellers. Be assured that the funds will attract vendors who’ve not competed in public safety markets before. This can be good and bad. Strong solutions and credible stories will be at a premium. It will be important for vendors to stick to fundamentals – good solutions, strong service, solid relationships with buyers, and most importantly, integrity. On the “buy side”, there will be competition over which programs should get funding.
The full report will be available on the Galain Web site later today.
Add a Comment
-
Comment by E. Dorney on February 18, 2009 at 9:43pm
-
If you figure that out be sure to let the rest of us know.
-
Comment by Dustin J. Millis on February 18, 2009 at 8:22pm
-
Okay.... maybe we can stay away from the political crap and talk about how this really effects us folks... All of the above points are good but they didnt really help me out. Now thats probably just becasue I'm 20 years old and dont really understand the full political spectrum but I do know that I want to take full advantage of whatever funds I can for my dept. Can someone point me in the right direction of who exactly I need to be talking to about this money, how my dept. can get it, who are the proper people to talk to???
-
Comment by sean rainey on February 18, 2009 at 6:11pm
-
I totally agree. I just hope it all works out the way we want it to. Only time will tell I guess
-
Comment by Ray W on February 18, 2009 at 5:23pm
-
this blog is a joke and we will never see this money
-
Comment by David Martinez on February 18, 2009 at 4:23pm
-
While I do not agree with much of the stimulus package... the corporate bail outs, money for GM Ford and Chrysler, and how congress missed putting regulations on banks that received the last stimulus... I think this could be good..
If it creates jobs... and it ultimately will - while I am not sure if they will be actual "blue collar" jobs or padding the rolls behind a desk - then I am for it.
My biggest hope is that it will add $ for the SAFER Grant and for AFG. And that the state funds will have a percentage ear marked for emergency services (other than Law Enforcement).
-
Comment by Lt. Ron Fey on February 18, 2009 at 3:44pm
-
Be afraid.....Be very afraid!
-
-
How are we supposed to know what this stimulus bill is, when the people who wrote it don't know.
-
Comment by James Young on February 18, 2009 at 1:17pm
-
It would be great to get a "piece of the pie" so to speak, but a lot of red tape and political non-sense will be involved as well. But the sad thing is, the politicians have to many pet projects that will try and use the money for.
-
Comment by Hugh on February 18, 2009 at 1:04pm
-
Hello Brothers and Sisters, Would anyone be kind enough to help me I am looking for Financial Aid for my daughter and I have thirty years in the Fire Service as a Volunteer Firefighter and I was wondering is there any financial help for a Volunteer Firefighters child who is brilliant and goes to Penn State Main for Architecture could anyone help me with this if they are aware of any financial Help available for Volunteer Firefighters Children to go to College or if they are in their First or Second Year I would deeply appreciate any help. my email is lkyspgot57@aol.com I am always on and off checking in to see if anyone has commented.Thank You Firefighter Hugh Fawcett The 57 Houuse Irwin,PA
-
Comment by Amber-23 on February 18, 2009 at 11:46am
-
I think this bill don't amount to a hill of beans. Its stuffed so full of literally billions of dollars in junk spending. Its rediculous. Has anyone actually sat and read the whole Stimulis Package and what is included in it? I have, and the more I read it, the angrier and more fearful I got.
- ‹ Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next ›
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
You need to be a member of My Firefighter Nation to add comments!
Join My Firefighter Nation