NEMA Mid-Year Conference
Scheduled in late winter and held in the Washington, D.C. area, the Mid-Year Conference takes place shortly after the President has released the budget request for the next fiscal year and delivered the State of the Union address. NEMA provides an analysis of the budget and members use the conference to learn more about the budget proposals, including impact on emergency management. During the conference, the NEMA Legislative Committee identifies legislative priorities for the year in accordance with the budget request and proposed legislation.
Given the Washington location, NEMA considers the conference crucial in its on-going efforts of educating elected officials about emergency management issues. Time is set aside for state directors to meet with thier Congressional delegation to discuss NEMA’s legislative priorities and state issues.
In addition, NEMA may host a Congressional Recognition Reception during the Mid-Year Conference, where all members of Congress and selected staff are invited to network with state directors. NEMA typically honors members of Congress at this reception for their achievements. State directors have the opportunity to nominate members of Congress a couple months prior to the conference and the Legislative Committee votes on the final selection. Some of the past NEMA Congressional Recognition Award winners include former Rep. Tom Ridge from Pennsylvania for his accomplishments in passing the Stafford Act; Senator Susan Collins from Maine for her accomplishments on the Intelligence Reform legislation; and Rep. Jane Harman from California for her work in helping emergency responders secure public safety spectrum.