SIA, which represents nearly 400 electronic and physical security businesses of all sizes, aims to:

- Secure sufficient funding for the Student Safety and Campus Emergency Management grant program.

- Secure enactment of the School Safety Enhancements Act and appropriation of USD 50 million in fiscal year 2010 for the program.

- Secure full funding of USD 400 million in fiscal year 2010 for the Port Security Grant Program.

- Secure full funding of USD 900 million in fiscal year 2010 for the Transit Security Grant Program, and support the distribution of grant money directly to transit authorities without a local match requirement.

- Support the allocation of additional funding to protect facilities that contain dangerous toxins, diseases or agents.

- Support the allocation of additional funding to help hospitals and health care facilities conduct security assessments and purchase security equipment.

- Support legislation that promotes participation by the Department of Homeland Security in the development of technological standards by the private sector.

"The recent economic stimulus law failed to recognize that many schools, hospitals and other critical facilities remain 'soft targets' for criminals and terrorists," SIA director of government relations Don Erickson said. "By fully funding the programs identified in our legislative priorities, Congress can help to make millions of the most vulnerable Americans safer."