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TO MEMORIALIZE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND TO URGE THEM TO PASS S. 829 TO REAUTHORIZE THE ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT (AFG) AND STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) GRANT PROGRAM.
Whereas, on April 5th, S. 829 was introduced in the United States Senate to extend the authorization for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs through fiscal year 2023 and eliminate a sunset provision that is set to take effect in January 2018; and
Whereas, AFG and SAFER are competitive grant programs that provide matching funds in the form of direct grants to fire departments and non-fire-based EMS agencies to help them to reach a baseline level of preparedness through the purchase of necessary equipment, paying for health and safety programs, and hiring career firefighters or recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters; and
Whereas, AFG and SAFER funding is allocated based on grant criteria established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who convenes peer review panels and ranks grant applications with firefighters from across the country to ensure that the funds are spent effectively; and
Whereas, this funding can help those agencies serving smaller communities that tend to lack up-to-date equipment and training compared to agencies serving larger communities and assist in staffing volunteer fire departments; and
Whereas, this reauthorization of AFG and SAFER would extend a lifeline to thousands of volunteer fire departments across the country that lack necessary resources and allow them to effectively serve their communities. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Congress and urge them to pass S. 829 to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to each member of the United States congressional delegation from South Carolina.
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