By Larry Jones
March 31, 2003

Conference Executive Director J. Thomas Cochran told delegates attending a March 18 meeting of the National Association of Regional Councils in Washington, D.C. that the most pressing priority of the U.S. Conference of Mayors is helping cities secure additional funding for homeland security. He explained that since the September 11, 2001 terrorists attacks, mayors have experienced a significant increase in the cost of protecting their cities. Many cities are spending considerably more on police, firefighting and emergency services. He said that while the federal government promised $3.5 billion to assist state and local first responders this year, the final amount approved was far less.

Cochran told delegates that Conference President Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino sent a letter thanking President Bush for acknowledging that funding in the 2003 budget for first responders was about $1 billion less than what he requested. The letter urged the President to include additional funds for first responders in the supplemental appropriations bill that will be submitted to Congress soon, requesting more funds to support the war against Iraq. Cochran said the Conference was working closely with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY), who is sponsor of a bill that will provide direct aid to local governments.

Economic security was also mentioned as another high Conference priority. Cochran pointed out that the Conference is working with Senators Charles Schumer (N.Y.) and Olympia Snowe (ME) to urge that no less than $40 billion be included in an economic stimulus bill to assist state and local governments facing budget short falls. He also explained that the legislation sponsored by Schumer'snowe is bipartisan and will provide $20 billion to states and $20 billion to local governments for general fiscal relief. Federal directives and unfunded mandates in the areas of education, health care and homeland security were cited as some of key reasons many cities and most states are facing serious budget shortfalls. Cochran also told delegates that the Conference will continue to push for increased funding for transportation and brownfield redevelopment, both excellent programs to spur economic growAlso speaking at the meeting were National League of Cities executive director Don Borut and National Association of Counties Executive Director Larry Naake, who shared their organizations priorities with delegates.

Also speaking at the meeting were National League of Cities executive director Don Borut and National Association of Counties Executive Director Larry Naake, who shared their organizations priorities with delegates.