"Since September 11th state governments have been asking our first responders and emergency management personnel to take on more responsibilities. But it cannot be done without the full support of President Bush and Congress," said Governor Vilsack. "We must look at protecting our homeland not just from a national level, but from the perspective of local and state governments -- those who are on the front lines of homeland security. The Department of Homeland Security must acknowledge each state's unique concerns and threats and understand that we can't employ a one-size-fits-all strategy in meeting these needs."
Governor Vilsack outlined three main areas in which the Department of Homeland Security needs to improve regarding state assistance:
- All-Hazards approach to Homeland Security: DHS must realize that each state faces unique threats, threats beyond the commonly assumed focus of international terrorism. Resources must be allocated accordingly to prepare for all possible incidents, such as disasters like Hurricane Katrina, an animal health emergency or the natural disasters that Iowa faces each year.
- Adequate funding and flexibility: In order to carry out an all-hazards approach, the specific and unique needs of each state needs to be addressed. State and local governments require greater flexibility to figure out how funding can best be used to enhance their capabilities.
- Encourage and build local and regional partnerships: There needs to be a genuine partnership that involves all segments of our communities and all levels of government. Everyone has a role in keeping our community safe, and partners in the private sector bring many assets to the table. Iowa has served as a leader in regional collaborations and heads efforts such as a multi-state partnership to address threats to our nation's food systems. Governor Vilsack has encouraged DHS to recognize the importance of such collaborations and to continue support of these partnerships.
The conference comes one day after Governor Vilsack personally appealed for adequate and more flexible assistance to Vice President Cheney during his visit to Camp Dodge.
"I spoke with the Vice President yesterday and stressed to him the need for a stronger partnership between the federal government and state and local governments. We all have a role to play in securing our homeland," said Governor Vilsack.
