Feingold Discusses First Responders Support Act at Local Listening Sessions Legislation Will Give First Responders a Voice In the Proposed Department of Homeland Security   August 6, 2002 Hazelhurst, WI - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today discussed his legislation to improve support for local first responders, which has been added to the proposed Homeland Security Bill. The First Responders Support Act, introduced by Feingold last month, will improve programs that support first responders, require more local input in establishing state offices, and ensure that first responders are able to advise federal agencies. "This legislation ensures that the advice of our first responders will be listened to, and that they will get the resources they need to provide effective services. In almost any disaster, the local first responders and health care providers play an indispensable role. They are on the front lines, and they deserve our support." The First Responders Support Act will: Establish a federal liaison on homeland security in each state, to coordinate between the proposed Department of Homeland Security and state and local first responders Direct agencies within the proposed Department of Homeland Security to coordinate and prioritize their activities that support first responders, and at the same time, ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars Establish a new advisory committee of people from the first responder community to identify and streamline effective programs   "The President has proposed a massive shift in the federal government by suggesting a new Department of Homeland Security," Feingold said. "Nobody would feel the impact of these changes more than those on the front lines, our law enforcement, firefighters, rescue workers, EMS providers, and other first responders. If a Department of Homeland Security is to be effective, we need to ensure that the resources are delivered to the front line personnel in an effective and coordinated manner." Feingold’s 44th Listening Session of 2002, and his 692nd since he was first elected, took place at the Yawkey Town Hall in Hazelhurst. He held his 45th Listening Session of 2002, and his 693rd since he was first elected, at the Boulder Junction Town Hall. This is the tenth year that Feingold has held Listening Sessions in every Wisconsin county.

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