Governors Request More Funding From DHS

The nation's governors today sent the following letter to Dept. of  Homeland Security Secretary  Michael Chertoff emphasizing the need for DHS to prioritize its relationship with states and support the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP).

The Honorable Michael Chertoff
Secretary
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

On behalf of the nation's governors, we would like to ask for your continued support of state homeland security grant programs, and your assistance in setting the record straight regarding states' responsible management and expenditure of grant funds.

As you know, states are front-line partners in enhancing the security and response capabilities of our nation, and careful stewards of the public's trust. Sustained and predictable funding for homeland security grant programs is critical to continuing our efforts to develop and maintain state, regional and national capabilities. Unfortunately, administration budget requests and annual appropriations for core federal-state programs such as the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) have decreased precipitously since their inception. During a time of heightened threat and ever-increasing federal homeland security requirements on state and local governments, we ask that you underscore your commitment to our partnership by calling for increased budget authority for SHSGP and other homeland security grant programs as part of your fiscal year 2009 budget request.

Also troubling is the fact that reductions to state grant programs are sometimes justified by statements that question the rate at which states are spending federal funds, or suggest that there are adequate funds in the pipeline to meet state and local needs. Such statements fundamentally, and in some cases purposely, misstate the facts and must be corrected. To be clear, states are meeting the statutory deadlines for the obligation and expenditure of homeland security grant funds. SHSGP funds are provided on a reimbursement basis to cover investments made during a two to three year performance period. This performance period provides states with time to plan, properly assess their weaknesses and capabilities, and devise training and exercise strategies to improve the overall readiness of their first responders. States also are responsible for ensuring that all sub-grantees adhere to state and federal guidelines and regulations, and maintain accountability throughout the program. Procurement and investment policies and procedures may delay the time between the obligation of funds and the actual expenditure of those funds, but it would be unpractical, and in most cases unwise, to require state and local jurisdictions to draw down their entire award of homeland security grants without adequate planning or adherence to longstanding procurement practices.

Governors are committed to improving security and emergency response for the citizens of our states and the nation. We ask that you work with us to ensure that federal actions prioritize the partnership between states and the federal government and accurately portray the role of states in managing federal resources.

Sincerely,

Governor Ruth Ann Minner Governor of Delaware Lead Governor on Homeland Security

Governor Jim Gibbons Governor of Nevada Lead Governor on Homeland Security

CC: Chair/Ranking House and Senate Homeland Security Committees
Chair/Ranking House and Senate Appropriations
Director, OMB