The Security Industry Association (SIA) is seeking to attain adequate funding to secure the nation’s infrastructure and facilities through its 2009 federal legislative priorities.
SIA, which represents nearly 400 electronic and physical security businesses of all sizes, aims to secure sufficient funding for the Student Safety and Campus Emergency Management grant program, gain $900 million for the Transit Security Grant program, and full funding for the $400 million in for the Port Security Grant program.
Other legislative priorities include:
- Secure enactment of the School Safety Enhancements Act and appropriation of $50 million in fiscal year 2010 for the program.
- Support the allocation of additional funding to protect facilities that contain dangerous toxins, diseases or agents.
- Support the allocation of additional funding to help hospitals and health care facilities conduct security assessments and purchase security equipment.
- Support legislation that promotes participation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the development of technological standards by the private sector.
“The recent economic stimulus law failed to recognize that many schools, hospitals and other critical facilities remain ‘soft targets’ for criminals and terrorists,” says SIA Director of Government Relations Don Erickson. “By fully funding the programs identified in our legislative priorities, Congress can help to make millions of the most vulnerable Americans safer.”
