SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

One of the responsibilities of Assembly committees is to examine the impact of the State budget on programs within their jurisdiction. The purpose of this hearing is to review the Office of Homeland Security's (OHS), the State Emergency Management Office's (SEMO) and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control's (OFPC) implementation of programs funded through the SFY 2007-08 State Budget, as well as the overall impact of the Budget on the State's disaster preparedness programs.

OHS is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive statewide strategy to detect, protect against and respond to terrorist threats and events. Among its responsibilities are: assessments of critical assets, systems and material; policy development; the allocation of Federal homeland security and related funds; and cyber-readiness. The Office is also required to coordinate the collection and dissemination of counter-terrorism information, as well as the development and implementation of a statewide strategy for disaster preparedness training. In addition, federal funds anticipated from the State Homeland Security Grant and Urban Area Security Initiative programs will continue to be appropriated under the auspices of the Office.

SEMO prepares the State and local governments to deal effectively with potential disasters and coordinates the State's response to disasters. SEMO serves as the operational component of the Disaster Preparedness Commission, which is responsible for State disaster preparedness plans and the coordination of State disaster operations. SEMO provides training to emergency response personnel to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disastrous incidents while protecting lives, property and the environment. SEMO administers the Disaster Assistance Program, which provides State and federally supported financial relief to localities and individuals affected by disasters. Recent disasters have included the June 2006 flooding across the central portion of the State, the October 2006 snowstorm in western New York, as well as flooding in Queens.

OFPC works with both career and volunteer firefighters by providing training, technical support and assistance with arson investigations, and conducts fire safety inspections of colleges and State-owned buildings. OFPC trains and equips an urban search and rescue team. It also provides low interest loans to fire and ambulance companies through the Emergency Services Revolving Loan Program.

Oral Testimony is by invitation only. Persons wishing to present a written statement to the Committees at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committees would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements. In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the Committees' interest in hearing testimony from all sources.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on impacts of the 2007-08 State Budget on the programs of OHS, SEMO and OFPC are requested complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail it to:

Cheryl Couser
Principal Legislative Analyst
Assembly Committee on Governmental Operations
AESOB 22nd Floor
80 South Swan Street
Albany, New York 12248
Phone: (518) 455-4355
Fax: (518) 455-7250

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