On Thursday, Governor Blunt announced the state was getting a $42 million dollar grant from the Department of Homeland Security. KY3 News reported on how local towns and cities like Strafford would hope to use this new pot of cash.
Stafford Fire Chief Jerry Schiman's wish list included a new fire truck among other items, including a new washing machine costing between 5 and 6 grand to clean the department's equipment.
Meanwhile, officials from the two major cities that got hit on 9-11 were livid over the new formula that appropriates dollars. New York City's anti-terror funding was reportedly slashed by 40 percent. Rep. Peter King (R-NY) called it "a knife in the back," and said the Bush administration had "declared war on New York."
So on Friday, I asked Senator Talent whether putting money towards washing machines in Strafford was a good way to use homeland security dollars when New York and Washington's funding had been so significantly reduced.
Senator Talent said cities shouldn't be pitted against each other in fights over terror funds and that Missouri and New York both have targets that need to be protected. "We use that money best when we empower first responders to use the money for what they need to prepare for disasters," Talent said.
When I pressed him on the washing machines, Talent replied, "I don't know about washing machines." But in general, Missouri's junior senator said he does think local officials have the right to decide what they should use the funds for.
Strafford's Schiman says he needs that washing machine. "I'd really like to get one of those washing machines, that would be phenomenal."
1 comment:
Maybe if Stafford is hit will a chemical attack, Schiman can take cover in a washing machine.
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