Influencing Congress and Emergency Management Policies

Martha Braddock, Policy AdvisorInternational Association of Emergency Managers

Who we are Join us in San Antonio November 14- 19 2014

IAEM

Congress to understand what local emergency managers do

Local emergency managers to be a resource for Members of Congress and staff

Local emergency managers to have a strong voice in Congress and in Federal Agencies

Every state association politically active

My Goals

Emergency Management Performance Grant FY 2004 DHS budget request

Up to $151 Million Not for personnel Not separate account, terrorism focus

FY 2004 Appropriations results $180 Million Can be used for personnel Separate account, all hazards

Why is Outreach to Members of Congress Important?

EMPG

FY 2013 $350 enacted,◦ $332.45m distributed◦North Carolina $8,608,500

FY 2014 $350 m ◦ North Carolina 9,085,469◦ Funding opportunity announced◦ Details posted

Funding Opportunity released March 18

North Carolina --State Homeland Security Grant

FY 2013 $4,773,429

FY 2014 $5,489,000

Charlotte --UASI--- $3,000,000 # 25 of 39

FY 2014 Homeland Security Grants

March 8– Starts over

FY 2015 Request

EMPG $350 million

Is it a done deal?

What does it mean? Is it possible in an election year?

Return to Regular Order

EMPGEmergency Management Institute

Grant ConsolidationPre-Disaster Mitigation Emergency Food and ShelterNational Weather Service

FY 2015 Budget Issues

Request to consolidate 16 grants

Legislative language

“unit of local government”

National Preparedness Grant Program

Communication

Relationships Information Trust

Working with Congress

All are important

Key Committee Assignments◦ David Price Appropriations◦ Mark Meadows Transportation and Infrastructure◦ Howard Coble Transportation and Infrastructure◦ Richard Hudson Homeland Security

Senate: Richard Burr Finance

North Carolina Members

You have things they need

Your:• Vote• Information• Assistance when

disaster strikes

Why Would They Want to Hear From You?

http://thomas.loc.gov

Guidance for Grants

Implementation of new Stafford Act provisions

National Flood Insurance Program◦ Biggert Waters◦ Grimm Waters

Other FEMA Issues

Influencing Congress is a Contact Sport

Don’t be on the Bench

District or state office staff Introduce yourself – position, county Get correct staff person and contact

information Make contact before you need something Prepare – members website Follow up Invite Look for opportunities to engage

Being Effective in the State

Set appointment at home during recess

Attend their public meetings

Introduce yourself Thank them

Members in District or State

Same Process Determine correct staff person for

emergency management issues Build relationship before needed for

appropriations or other legislation Invite them

Washington Offices

Make appointments well in advanceEmergency Manager from each

Congressional districtGoal for meetingNot a tourist on the HillTalking pointsPaint a pictureLeave an information packet behindFollow up

Key Elements of Successful Association Washington Trips

HR 3989 and S 1991 amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a deduction not to exceed $5,000.00 – for amounts

contributed to Disaster Savings Accounts an incentive for homeowners to allocate

funding for mitigation and disaster recovery co-sponsors needed

Disaster Savings Account Act