Yesterday’s and today’s news is that Utah will receive a significant cut in Homeland Security Funds next year. Utah’s share of the $1.7 billion being distributed to states from the Federal Government for Homeland Security will be $8 million, down from $20 million in 2005.
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Federal authorities are now shipping more dollars to states they say are more prone to terrorist attacks, such as those with large metropolitan areas or critical facilities. California received the most funds, at about $232 million, in the 2006 grants, with New York in second place at nearly $184 million. Utah ranked 45th of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the amount of money received, with some less populated states, such as Idaho and Alaska, taking in more funds.
This is another example of federal government mandates for programs to each state (such as No Child Left Behind) and not providing adequate funding for implementation, while at the same time issuing consequences to states that do not carry-out federally mandated programs.
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 