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<br />BETTY McCOLLUM <br />4TH DISTRICT, MINNESOTA <br />1029 LGNGWDRTH FIOUSE OFFICE BUILDING <br />WASHINGTON, DC 20515 <br />• (2021225631 <br />FAx:12021225-1968 <br />165 WESTERN AVENUE NORTH <br />SUITE n <br />ST. PAUL, MN 55102 <br />(6511224-9191 <br />FAx:16511224-3056 <br />January 13, 2003 <br /> <br />UNITED STATES <br />HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES <br />Ms. Heather M. Worthington <br />City Administrator <br />City of Falcon Heights <br />2077 West Larpenteur Avenue <br />Falcon Heights, MN 55113 <br />Dear Ms. Worthington: <br />COMMITTEE ON <br />EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE <br />COMMITTEE ON RESOURCES <br />vvvvw. h o u s e. g o v/m cco I l u m <br />JAN 1 4 2003 <br />I write to invite you to join me, mayors and emergency personnel from the Fourth Congressional <br />District for a press conference on Thursday, January 23, at the State Capitol, Room 15 at 10:00 <br />a.m. urging President Bush and the Leadership of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to quickly <br />pass $3.5 billion in critical home town security funding for our first responders and law <br />• enforcement. <br />In February of 2002, the President proposed $3.5 billion fora "First Responder Initiative" to help <br />state and local first responders prepare for possible terrorist attacks. There is wide spread <br />support for this increased funding for emergency personnel and our mayors and cities have <br />been clear that it is necessary. However, because Congress has failed to pass appropriations <br />legislation for 2003, we have been unable to provide this critical funding for our communities. <br />Cities and communities around the country expected the $3.5 billion appropriation and planned <br />accordingly. Local governments are struggling under the effects of the recession and the <br />increased responsibility and security needs following September 11. The delay in receiving <br />these funds prevents localities from making needed improvements and acquiring the equipment <br />and training necessary to protect our citizens. <br />Local governments need this funding and they need it quickly. I hope you will join me at the <br />press conference to urge President Bush, the Speaker of the House, and Senate Majority <br />Leader to fulfill their promise to our first responders and our communities so they can continue <br />to keep Minnesota safe. For talking points, a sample press release, or other information, please <br />contact Emily Lawrence in my St. Paul Office at 651-224-9191 or by a-mail at <br />Emily.Lawrence@mail.house.gov. <br />Sincerely, <br />. Betty McCol <br />Member of Congress <br />~~~' <br />BM:EL <br />PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER <br />