Charity Car ShowALADS is proud to present the 1st Annual Charity Car Show.
Body Scan InternationalThe Body Scan truck will be at ALADS headquarters from July 22nd to July 25th
Shannon Lahey is the federal lobbyist for ALADS. Every month, a new federal legislative update from Washington D.C. is posted on the ALADS website.
Update From Washington D.C. For June, 2008
State Criminal Alien Assistance ProgramIn addition to working on securing additional funds for SCAAP, ALADS supports much needed improvements in the program. ALADS strongly support S H.R. 3836 and S. 2588, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Linda Sanchez and Senator Dianne Feinstein that would require the Justice Department to make timely SCAAP reimbursement payments to state and local governments. Specifically, these bills would require the Justice Department to pay state and local governments within 120 days of the SCAAP application deadline. This would ensure the timely distribution of much needed funds at the state and local level.
VestsCongressman Visclosky and Senator Leahy introduced legislation (H.R. 6045 and S. 3012) that would extend the authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program through fiscal year 2012. Senator Leahy introduced an amendment to H.R.980 to reauthorize the bulletproof vest partnership grant and provide a waiver for hardship for the matching grant program for law enforcement armor vests. The amendment was considered by the Senate. This program provides state and local governments with half the cost of purchasing vests, including puncture resistant vests. ALADS strongly supports this program and efforts to expand it.
Collective Bargaining
H.R. 980 would provide collective bargaining rights for all public safety employees employed by state and local governments. The Senate voted in favor of a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 980. This means, in brief, that the Senate can move forward with considering H.R. 980 on the Senate floor. H.R. 980 already passed the House of Representatives. However, the President is expected to veto H.R. 980.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Program
The House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 3546, a bill to reauthorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012. This grant program provides funds to for state and local law enforcement programs.
Prison Abuse Remedies Act
The House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on H.R. 4109, the “Prison Abuse Remedies Act of 2007." This measure was introduced by Congressman Scott of Virginia and has the strong support of Chairman John Conyers, Chair of the House Committee on the Judiciary. It is likely that this bill will move through Committee for floor consideration.
Memorial Stamp For Law EnforcementCongressman Filner introduced H. CON. RES. 356. expressing the sense of the Congress that a postage stamp should be issued to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Congressman Ted Poe introduced H.RES.1132, supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor federal, state, and local peace officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. This resolution passed the House on May 21, 2008.
Senator Leahy introduced S.RES.537, a resolution commemorating and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women who have lost their lives while serving as law enforcement officers. This resolution passed the Senate.
Concerns of Police Survivors
Senator Murkowski introduced S.RES.562, a resolution honoring Concerns of Police Survivors as the organization begins its 25th year of service to family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This resolution passed the Senate.