NAPO VICTORY: HOUSE INCREASES FUNDING FOR COPS HIRING & BYRNE JAG

Transcription

1 The Washington Report June 18, 2012 The Newsletter of the National Association of Police Organizations Representing America s Finest NAPO VICTORY: HOUSE INCREASES FUNDING FOR COPS HIRING & BYRNE JAG A series of amendments were offered to the House Commerce Justice and Science Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations bill. Two significant amendments to programs that directly benefit rank-and-file were among them. The first was an amendment sponsored by Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY) that would increase funding to COPS Hiring to FY12 levels ($166 million for COPS Hiring, an increase of $126 million). This measure was narrowly adopted by a 206 to 204 vote. The offset for these funds were taken from NASA. Please click here to see how your Representative voted. The second was an amendment sponsored by Jon Runyan (R-NJ) to bring Byrne JAG funds up to the Senate level of $392 million. Funds for this were taken from the general administration account of DOJ. The vote passed 325 to 81; please click here to see how your Representative voted. Although the Senate Appropriations Committee passed FY13 CJS funding bill, it still needs to be considered by the full chamber. The Senate bill includes $215 million for the COPS Hiring program and $392 million for Byrne JAG. After Senate passage, both chambers will need to conference for a final bill. This phase of the process will be contentious as the Senate and the House are working under different spending limits. NAPO s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill resulted in positive outcomes for both COP Hiring and the Bryne JAG programs. We will continue to work towards final passage of these important bills and will keep our members abreast of all pertinent developments. NAPO VICTORY: NATIONAL BLUE ALERT PASSES IN THE HOUSE On May 15, 2012, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the National Blue Alert Act of 2012 (H.R. 365). The vote was supported by 394 Representatives and opposed by 1 member, Representative Justin Amash (R-MI). NAPO is working closely with the office of Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) office, the sponsor of the companion bill in the Senate to pass this legislation into law. Senator Cardin objected to passage by unanimous consent of an unrelated bill sponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Senator Cardin objected to the Grassley s bill as a legislative tactic, not because he disagreed with the legislation. In doing so, the passage of both bills is dependent on one another.

2 It is difficult to determine which Senator objected to the National Blue Alert or why. NAPO is working to dispel funding discrepancies between the House and Senate bills. Senator Cardin is now promoting the House version of the bill; which doesn t authorize any spending and is not a federal mandate. NAPO is optimistic members of the Senate will come to a resolution that will result in final passage of the National Blue Alert. We are continuing to leverage our contacts on Capitol Hill to secure passage of this important officer safety bill. If you have any questions please contact NAPO s Director of Government Affairs, Rachel Hedge. NAPO JOINS HOUSE MEMBERS IN SUPPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR A CAPITOL HILL PRESS CONFERENCE Center Podium Tony Wieners, President of the New Jersey State PBA. Photo taken by Rachel Hedge, NAPO s Director of Government Affairs. NAPO was the only non-federal rank-and-file organization invited to speak on Capitol Hill with Congress Leaders Law Enforcement. Tony Wieners, the President of the New Jersey State PBA was introduced by the co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) to provide remarks. He was also joined by Representatives Michael Grimm (R-NY), Dave Reichert (R- WA), Pedro Pierluisis (D-PR), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Chris Gibson (R-NY), Lou Barletta (R-PA) and Peter King (R-NY), Jon Runyan (R-NY) and Jon Adler the National President of FLEOA. Many members gave remarks on their dedication to law enforcement and honored fallen police officers. They also highlighted recent passage of the National Blue Alert (H.R. 365), and the COPS Hiring amendment which restored $126 million to the COPS Hiring Program. NAPO s own Tony wieners also gave remarks. The need for Congress to invest in the law enforcement community is now more critical than ever before. Public safety, the lives of our families and friends, is being adversely affected by the cuts to funding brought upon by budget reductions and shortfalls. A primary responsibility of the Federal Government is the protection of its citizens. Lacking adequate funding, law enforcement has been asked to do more with less. This is a dangerous and unsustainable path.

3 The reality of the situation is clear; less funding means fewer officers protecting our communities. Funding for the COPS Hiring Program goes directly to law enforcement departments and can immediately be used to hire police officers. Together, the COPS Hiring Program and the Byrne JAG Program provide resources for the entire criminal justice system. NAPO once again had overwhelming representation on Capitol Hill. Many of the Representatives spoke in support of NAPO and gave recognition for the hard work on Capitol Hill. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S REPORT JUSTICE FOR OFFICER SANTUCCI S FAMILY The Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOB) Act was designed to offer peace of mind to the men and women who seek careers in public safety. This important legislation makes a strong statement about the value America places on the contributions of those who serve their communities in life-threatening circumstances. The families of public safety officers who have fallen or have become disabled in the line of duty rely on the benefits promised to them by the PSOB. This however, was not the case for the family of Officer Kenneth Santucci. Officer Santucci and his partner, Officer Melissa Corrado, were on duty in a police vehicle when they responded to a suspicious person call. Their vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The second vehicle was driven by a civilian who had run a stop sign. Officer Santucci was killed in the accident. NAPO became aware that some of the individuals within the PSOB program who had the authority to grant benefits believed that Officer Santucci s driving could be interpreted as grossly negligent, a characterization NAPO completely disagreed with. If this opinion was allowed to go forward unchallenged, the Santucci family could be denied benefits under the law. NAPO became directly involved in this case. We reached out to the Administration and worked to prevent a terrible miscarriage of justice. Several other groups, notably the New Jersey State PBA, and Concerns of Police Survivors also spoke out strongly on behalf of the family. The claim for final approval of PSOB benefits for the Santucci family was granted on May 14, 2012 as a direct result of NAPO s actions. Finally, after three and half years of delay, the Santucci family is getting the assistance promised to them. NAPO is proud to work on the behalf of the Santuccis and for all rank-and-file law enforcement officers and their families. CONGRESS ADVANCES THE BULLETPROOF VEST PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM The Senate Judiciary Committee approved by voice vote Senator Leahy s bill, The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2012, S This legislation will authorize $15 million for the BVP grant program for FY13 and FY14. It authorizes $30 million per year for FY15 through FY17. It also calls for Department of Justice to dispense previously obligated but undisbursed funds. This must be done before the end of FY14, otherwise the money will be transferred to the General Fund of the Treasury.

4 Passage of this legislation is critical, as the current authorization expires at the end of FY12. The BVP Grant requires vests to be uniquely fitted to each officer. This is an issue that NAPO addressed when we submitted testimony on the program earlier this year. A companion bill has been introduced in the House by Representative Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), H.R THE COALITION AGAINST BIGGER TRUCKS THANKS NAPO Rachel Hedge, NAPO s Director of Government Affairs accepting a framed House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee vote sheet on the amendment striking the bigger truck provisions from CABT s Director of Policy. The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT) recognized NAPO for our support and successful efforts to protect motorist and preserve our highway infrastructure by maintaining sensible limits on the size and weight of trucks. NAPO opposes The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2011 (H.R. 763) because heavy trucks are a threat to public safety. These trucks cause tremendous amounts of damage to our highway infrastructure and leave taxpayers with the burden of fixing the roads. Police officers are immediate responders to truck accidents and know well the amount of damage a tractor-trailer can do to an automobile and its occupants; especially at high speeds on interstate highways. Allowing trucks to become longer and heavier will only endanger those who share the roads with them. Increasing the size or weight of trucks could result in a negative impact on public safety. NAPO is proud to work with the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks to protect the interests of all our citizens as well as rank-and-file.

5 OBAMA NOMINATES GARY BLANKINSHIP TO SERVE AS U.S. MARSHAL NPAO is proud to announce that Gary Blankinship, who served as Area Vice President for NAPO and as President of the Houston Police Officers Union, has been nominated by President Obama to serve as the United States Marshal for the Southern District of Texas. Click here to read NAPO s letter in support of his nomination. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR TOP COPS SPONSORS NAPO would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our generous sponsors! Without the sponsorship of the following companies and organizations TOP COPS would not be possible. Major Sponsors Access Alliance AXA Distributors, LLC The Hartford Nationwide Retirement Solutions USA NETWORK Corporate Sponsor Continental Home Loans, Inc. Supporters Huntsinger and Jeffer, Inc. The Kairos Group Law Enforcement Sponsors Boston Police Patrolmen s Association Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas Dade County Police Benevolent Association Dallas Police Association Detectives Endowment Association, Inc. Detroit Police Officers Association Save the Date! Law Enforcement Sponsors Florida Police Benevolent Association F.O.P. Metropolitan Police Labor Committee Houston Police Officers Union International Brotherhood of Police Officers Las Vegas Police Protective Association Los Angeles Police Protective League New Jersey State Policemen s Benevolent Association New York City Patrolmen s Benevolent Association Ohio Patrolmen s Benevolent Association Phoenix Law Enforcement Association Police Benevolent & Protective Association of Illinois Police Officers Labor Council of Michigan Port Authority of NY & NJ Sergeant s Benevolent Association Port Authority PBA, Inc. of NY & NJ Please join NAPO for our 34th Annual Convention July 21 July 25, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach, Florida. The registration form is below. Please start making your hotel and travel arrangements and if you have any questions, the NAPO office will be happy to assist you. To book your hotel, please call In order to receive the special reduced NAPO rate please make reservations by June 26 th. We look forward to welcoming you in Palm Beach this summer! NAPO s 34 th Annual Convention Saturday, July 21 Wednesday, July 25, 2012 Palm Beach County, Florida

6 n a t i o n a l a s s o c i a t i o n napo s 34 th Annual Convention Palm Beach, Florida The Ritz-Carlton July 21 25, 2012 o f p o l i c e o r g a n i z a t i o n s Registration Form 1. Registrant Information Name: Title: Spouse s Name: Children s Name(s): Age: Age: Age: Organization: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: 2. Registration Fees Member Delegate $399 Member s Spouse $249 Non-member $500 Non-member s Spouse $350 Children (under 18) MUST BE REGISTERED $125 *Please indicate children s ages Golf $115 Club Rentals RH LH $55 Total Paid: $ 3. Payment Information Check Enclosed $ (payable to NAPO) Charge $ r Mastercard r Visa r AmEx Card#: Exp.#: CID # Name on your card: Signature: 4. You re Invited Please indicate the number of Adults and Children attending each event. Welcome Reception Sunday, July 22 Adults Children Oldies Night, Reception Dinner Monday, July 23 Adults Children Lobster & Clam Bake Tuesday, July 24 Adults Children

7 Please join NAPO for our 34th Annual Convention July 21- July 25, 2012 in Palm Beach Florida. Participate in setting NAPO s legislative priorities for the second half of the 112th Congress and issuing NAPO s endorsements for Offices of President and Vice President of the United States of America. Learn from presentations by prominent law enforcement figures about the latest developments in police politics and services. When not attending NAPO business sessions, Palm Beach offers something for everyone. Soak up sunshine on pristine beaches, shop trendy Worth Avenue or explore the Flager Museum. Enjoy the afternoon at the famous Eau Spa or relax poolside at one of the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Pools. Looking for a little more adventure? The Ritz-Carlton offers a host of recreational activities from catamarans, water skiing and waverunners to tennis and bike rentals. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation you will find it at this year s convention in Palm Beach, Florida. Convention Information Convention Information Please complete the registration form and mail it with payment to the NAPO office. Registrations may also be faxed to the NAPO office at (703) Registrations received July 6 - July 19 will be charged a late registration fee of $50. Registrations received after July 20 and on-site are discouraged; however, if you are unable to register in advance, you may do so on-site for an additional $100 per person. Registration fees include the cost of convention materials, special events and food functions. Only individuals registered may attend convention events. Spouses, guests, and children must register if they wish to attend any convention events. Badges are required for all functions. Children s Rates Children between the ages of 5 17 may attend for a special rate of $125. Children under 5 are free. If you plan to register your children, we ask that you do so in advance. This will help us plan appropriately for all of our attendees. Hotel NAPO has reserved a block of rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach for registered NAPO convention attendees. Room rates are $179 per night for a single or double. To make your reservation, please call (888) and tell them you are with NAPO. In order to receive the special reduced rate, please make reservations by June 26. Air Transportation Palm Beach International Airport is a quick 25 minute drive from The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Discounted airfare is available thru American Airlines. To check fares visit type in parameters (departure city, arrival city, dates, etc.) including the NAPO code 2672BZ, in the promotion box. Ground Transportation Discounted rental cars are available through Hertz. To check rates call Hertz at (800) or visit their website at www. hertz.com and provide them with the NAPO CV number: 04UN0001. Palm Beach Tours and Transportations offers shuttles and sedans from the airport to The Ritz-Carlton. Discounted fares have been negotiated. In order to receive the NAPO discounted rate reservations are required. Contact Palm Beach Tours and Transportation at (888) or and provide the NAPO group code: NAPO. Golf NAPO s golf outing will take place at the Atlantis Golf Club, Sunday, July 22. This private golf club is located just 20 minutes from the hotel in the City of Atlantis and offers old Florida charm combined with updated practice facility and course layouts. The William Mitchell Championship golf course design is carved throughout a beautiful and inviting community. Each of the 27 holes offers their own unique scenic views, abundance of lakes, mature trees and exotic birds. Atlantis Golf Club is sure to challenge golfers of all skill levels. The tournament cost includes breakfast, green fees, cart, range balls and a barbeque lunch. If you would like to play with a specific foursome, please fax your request to the NAPO office no later than June 29. Special Events On Monday, July 23 Palm Beach County PBA will host a reception and dinner at the Cars of Dreams Museum. The museum, located 25 minutes from the hotel, has one of the world s great classic car collections. The cars, set in a custom made village representing small town America transports us back to the roots of the American car culture and how it transformed the landscape of the United States. Tuesday, July 24 enjoy Florida Hospitality at its finest at the Lobster Clam Bake on the Beach right next to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Not a fan of seafood? No worries landlubbers, we will also be grilling chicken and steak. Special thanks to our grilling experts from the Palm Beach County PBA. Cancellation/Refund Policy Cancellations and refund requests received before June 29th will be processed minus a $50 processing fee. All requests must be in writing. Confirmation NAPO will confirm your registration by mail. The hotel will confirm your room reservation directly with you.

8 Convention Schedule Saturday, July 21 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Bylaws Committee Meeting / Membership Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Finance Committee Meeting 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Legislative/Resolutions & COPE Committee Meeting 11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Committee Meeting 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Registration 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Executive Board Meeting Sunday, July 22 7:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. NAPO Golf Outing Atlantis Golf Course 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Registration 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. NAPO Welcome Reception Monday, July 23 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Exhibits Open 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. General Session #1 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Oldies Night Reception & Dinner at the Cars of Dreams Museum Tuesday, July 24 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 8:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Exhibits Open 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. General Session #2 5:30 p.m. Lobster Clam Bake on the Beach Wednesday, July 25 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. General Session #3 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Executive Board Meeting (if needed) Thursday, July 26 Departure and Travel Day NAPO s Hospitality Room Sponsored by Palm Beach County PBA will be open daily from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Convention Badges are required for admittance to all functions.

9 Join us for NAPO s 34th Annual Convention in Palm Beach, Florida. You won t want to miss this important gathering of NAPO delegates from across the country where we will craft legislative priorities, hear from prominent speakers in the law enforcement community and issue endorsements for Offices of President and Vice President of the United States of America. Dates and Hotel To Be Announced Las Vegas, Nevada The 20th Annual TOP COPS Awards Ceremony May 14, 2013 Washington, D.C. NAPO s 35th Annual Convention July 19-July 24, 2013 The Millennium Hotel Maxwell House Nashville, Tennessee NAPO s 34th Palm Beach, Florida Address Service Requested 317 S. Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA National Association of Police Organizations, Inc. Bill Johnson Executive Director 25th Annual Police, Fire, EMS and Municipal Employee Pension & Benefits Seminar Annual Convention Sincerely, Upcoming Conventions and Seminars