2.1    Preamble

Providing for the safety and security of citizens is a high priority for governors.  With the constantly evolving threat of terrorism and increased occurrences of natural disasters, governors must maintain and continually update state strategies to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.  Protecting the public requires close coordination among all levels of government, as well as with the private sector.  Governors offer the following recommendations to address several of today’s homeland security and emergency management challenges.

2.2   Preparedness and Response

2.2.1 Principles.

• National plans and strategies should be developed collaboratively between federal, state and local governments.
• Any federal law requirements imposed upon the states should be properly funded.
• Federal agencies should proactively work with state resources, including the robust network of state and local fusion centers.
• States should have maximum flexibility in how grant funds are utilized and funds should be coordinated through the state.
• The federal government, in collaboration with states, should enhance efforts to secure critical infrastructure, transportation systems and food supply chains, including increased use of advanced technology.

2.3   Disaster Assistance

2.3.1   Principles.

• Congress and the Administration should ensure that the Disaster Relief Fund has funds available to assist in response and recovery to federally declared disasters.

2.4    Cybersecurity

2.4.1   Principles.

• The federal government should work with states to share threat information and to provide technical support to protect computer networks and other related critical infrastructure.

2.5   Immigration

2.5.1   Principles.

• The federal government must fulfill its responsibility to secure the borders and enforce existing immigration laws.

Time limited (effective Winter Meeting 2013 – Winter Meeting  2015).
Adopted Winter Meeting 2013.