Cheshire County Officials Travel to Washington, D.C. to Advocate for 911 Funding at National Association of Counties Legislative Conference.
Cheshire County Administrator Chris Coates, County Commissioners Terry Clark and Claudia Stewart, and Director of Communications Davis Bernstein will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference. Administrator Coates is slated to present a policy resolution calling for increased federal funding to strengthen 911 communication systems, which could lead to federal funding of 911 communication systems which could benefit Southwest NH District Fire Mutual Aid’s telecommunications infrastructure. If the policy is accepted at the NACo Annual Conference in July, the Legislative wing of NACo would be empowered to advocate for this policy at the federal level.
Cheshire County Administrator Coates emphasized in his remarks that “increased federal support would enable critical upgrades to emergency dispatch systems, including modernizing equipment and expanding coverage for rural areas. Coates continued, strengthening the 911 infrastructure is vital to ensuring that first responders can communicate effectively and reach people in need as quickly as possible. This advocacy aligns with the County commitment to public safety and its ongoing efforts to improve services for all residents.”
Improved funding for 911 systems would have a broad impact on public safety and community well-being. Enhanced emergency communication networks can reduce response times during crises and improve coordination among law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel. By securing additional resources for these systems, Cheshire County officials are working to provide residents with a more reliable lifeline in emergencies, which can ultimately save lives and give the community greater peace of mind.
The County put two other motions forward that were accepted, advocating for increased Medicare reimbursement rates, and changing language in federal law to allow for EMS services to bill for non-transport calls where individuals have been treated, but not brought to a medical facility.
While attending the NACo Legislative Conference, the Cheshire County officials will advocate on behalf of local communities and engage with key federal decision-makers. They have scheduled meetings with federal officials including U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan, and House Members Maggie Goodlander and Chris Pappas; to discuss regional issues impacting Cheshire County and surrounding communities. By meeting directly with members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation and other policymakers, the County leaders aim to highlight local priorities and secure support for initiatives that benefit the region. The County will also be bringing forth many other concerns including, the federal funding freeze, the effect of tariffs on the County, Medicaid cuts, and the potential of ending tax exemption for municipal bonding.
They will also be hearing from additional members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries, and high-level governmental administrators.
County Administrator Coates will be meeting with Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for Local and Tribal Governments Christine Glassner.
The NACo Legislative Conference serves as a national platform for local officials to influence federal policy and seek resources for their counties. Nearly 2,000 County leaders from across the country convene at this annual event to share local perspectives and collaborate on addressing common challenges.
Cheshire County’s participation in the NACo Legislative Conference underscores its dedication to advocating for the needs of local residents on the national stage. By pushing for vital funding and policy support, County leaders are taking proactive steps to enhance public safety and ensure the well-being of the community. Upon returning from Washington, the delegation will continue working with federal and state partners to implement improvements and keep the public informed about progress on these initiatives.