By Larry Jones
March 17, 2003

During a March 3 meeting of the National Association of Counties Large Urban County Caucus in Washington, D.C., freshman Senator John Cornyn (TX) told county leaders from the nation's largest counties that not only did Congress fail to pass a budget last year for the first time in 30 years but when it finally did this year, it only provided one third of the funds the President requested for homeland security to help first responders. The President requested $3.5 billion but that amount was never approved in the final fiscal year 2003 appropriations bill. It appears that only $1.3 billion in new funds was appropriated.

Senator Cornyn told county leaders from Dallas County, Los Angeles County, Maricopa County and other counties across the nation that he would work with the White House and Congress to try to get the additional funds promised local governments. He also told them that it is quite possible that additional funds could be added to a supplemental appropriations bill soon when and if the President submits a request for more money to fight a war against Iraq. This could come within the next week or two, according to the Senator.

Cornyn said he understands that local governments needed the additional funds to address the increased demands placed on local police officers, firefighters and paramedics and also improve interoperable communications between governments. He also said it is important for Washington to pass information down to local governments quickly on homeland security issues.

To address the nation's economic problems, Senator Cornyn told county delegates that he would support the President's economic growth package which will provide relief to taxpayers. By allowing taxpayers to keep more of their money, he believes they will spend it on purchasing more goods and services which should give the nation's sluggish economy the boost that it needs and eventually restore confidence in the stock market.

On the issue of health care, he said there is no greater challenge facing Congress than figuring out how best to provide access to health care for all. He told delegates that he understands the problem that uncompensated health care is posing for county hospitals. In Texas he pointed out that there are lots of undocumented residents who account for a lot of the costs. He explained that these residents, in many cases, wait until their health deteriorates before seeking health care. The longer they wait the greater the health care costs go up. An early clinic approach could significantly reduce the costs. He said he is sponsoring a bill to provide some reimbursement to state and local governments for uncompensated care.