We have returned from the 2010 IAFF Legislative Conference with a greater understanding of the  issues that directly affect Fire Fighters across the Country. The issues pending before the 111th Congress include legislation such as: HR 413 & S 1611 , the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, this Act would give Public Safety Officers basic collective bargaining rights in all States; HR 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009, would guarantee professional departments a minimum % of funding and increase the amout for larger departments, shortening the grant period and reduces the local match from 20% to 10%; HR 847 & S 1334, the JS 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, provides comprehensive medical monitoring and treatment for 9/11 responders, residents and students to include reopening the 9/11 Victim Compensation Act to compensate victims for economic damages and loses. It was truly an honor to stand along side our IAFF brothers and sisters to support this legislation. IAFF Local 244 was represented proudly. We also met with Senator Bingaman, Senator Udall, Representative Heinrich and Representative Lujan. They all were very receptive to the current issues affecting IAFF Local 244. We discussed many solutions including assistance with FEMA grants. We will be in close contact with our Congressmen  through these difficult times.