Legislative Update - October 31, 2008

Friday, October 31st, 2008

Dear Friend,

This Tuesday, November 4th, is Election Day for the 2008 Presidential Campaign. There is also a very important congressional race in our region.  Please make sure to get out and vote on Tuesday!  If you need help locating your polling place, please visit http://www.elections.state.md.us/  Please note that there are two very important referendum questions on this year's ballot: early voting and slots.  More information about the referendum questions can be found here: http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2008/questions/index.html

Legislative Update from Delegate Mary-Dulany James

Below is a press release from the Governor's office outlining homeland security grants for our region.  I'm pleased to pass on to you that Harford County will receive over $650,000 in grant money, and Cecil County will receive over $400,000 in funding for important public safety projects.

As always, if you have questions about these or any other issues, please contact me! 

Sincerely,

Mary-Dulany James
State Delegate,
Harford and Cecil Counties
www.marydulanyjames.com

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES $26.7 MILLION IN HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 22, 2008) –Governor Martin O’Malley today announced nearly $26.7 million in homeland security grant funds for local communities in Maryland.  The funds are part of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant programs for state and local government.

“Even in difficult economic times, providing safety and security for the people of Maryland remains one of government’s primary functions,” noted Governor O’Malley.  “The demands on our public safety community do not decline when available resources are limited.  In spite of a reduction in federal funding, we remain committed to providing the resources necessary for the brave men and women who serve as first responders.”

Once again this year, the Governor passed through 85 percent of the available funds under the State Homeland Security Grant Program to local governments, despite a minimum legal mandate of 80 percent.  The state also passed through 98.5 percent of the Baltimore Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant.

Funds are being provided to every county in Maryland, Baltimore City, Ocean City, and Annapolis.  Funding amounts were determined by providing a baseline amount to each jurisdiction, with the balance of funds allocated using a formula calculating each jurisdiction’s risk level.  The formula was developed by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in coordination with emergency management and law enforcement personnel from local jurisdictions.

“We understand that many local jurisdictions in Maryland are facing severe budget conditions, which is why we continue to pass though more homeland security money to local governments than federal law mandates,” said MEMA Director Richard Muth. “I would like to thank my staff at MEMA and their colleagues at other state agencies, along with our local partners, for spending this money where it will do the most good.”

Each of the local jurisdictions receiving funds – the 23 counties plus Annapolis, Baltimore and Ocean City -- will receive an average of about 11 percent less than last year, mirroring the reduction in total funding to the state.

Funds will be used for a variety of projects, including providing protective equipment to first responders, hardening critical infrastructure, and building interoperable communications systems.  The $2.7 million in funds for the state will be used to support equipment purchases for state agencies, state-funded regional response units, and other state-wide initiatives.  Therefore, local responders and emergency managers will also benefit from much of the state’s portion of the federal funds.

Below appears a chart of local allocations by region: