Influencing Congress and Emergency Management Policies

1. Influencing Congress and Emergency Management Policies Martha Braddock, Policy Advisor International Association of Emergency Managers

2. IAEM • Who we are • Join us in San Antonio November 14- 19 2014

4. My Goals • 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

5. Why is Outreach to Members of Congress Important? 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

6. 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

7. FY 2014 Homeland Security Grants 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

8. March 8– Starts over FY 2015 Request EMPG $350 million Is it a done deal?

10. Return to Regular Order • What does it mean? • Is it possible in an election year?

11. FY 2015 Budget Issues • EMPG • Emergency Management Institute • Grant Consolidation • Pre-Disaster Mitigation • Emergency Food and Shelter • National Weather Service

12. National Preparedness Grant Program • Request to consolidate 16 grants • Legislative language • “unit of local government”

13. Working with Congress • Communication • Relationships • Information • Trust

14. North Carolina Members • 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

15. Why Would They Want to Hear From You? You have things they need Your: • Vote • Information • Assistance when disaster strikes

19. http://thomas.loc.gov

20. Other FEMA Issues • Guidance for Grants • Implementation of new Stafford Act provisions • National Flood Insurance Program • Biggert Waters • Grimm Waters

22. Influencing Congress is a Contact Sport Don’t be on the Bench

23. Being Effective in the State 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

24. Members in District or State • Set appointment at home during recess • Attend their public meetings • Introduce yourself • Thank them

25. Washington Offices • Same Process • Determine correct staff person for emergency management issues • Build relationship before needed for appropriations or other legislation • Invite them

26. Key Elements of Successful Association Washington Trips • Make appointments well in advance • Emergency Manager from each Congressional district • Goal for meeting • Not a tourist on the Hill • Talking points • Paint a picture • Leave an information packet behind • Follow up

27. Disaster Savings Account Act • 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