Surname 1
Student’s name
Professor’s name
Course
Date
Homeland Security
The horrific terrorist attacks that happened on September 11, 2001, have brought about
radical changes in the security functions of most government organizations. Most notable among
all the changes that have occurred is the increased importance of the state governments. State
governments have been given increased responsibilities in the efforts to increase national
security. Efforts to increase homeland security have definitely led to greater emphasis on the
importance of stronger federal-state relations.
A budget of almost $50 billion has been set aside by the government to cater for
homeland security needs. Both the federal and state governments are allocated certain amounts
from this budget.States are allowed to spend this money at their own discretion depending on
their current needs. However, they must first present the federal government with a copy of their
budget so that it can be approved. Sometimes the federal government may deem some aspects of
the security costs to be more important than others. The state governments have no choice but to
comply with such orders.
Advantages of allowing security programs to be designed and implemented at the states
level include the fact that state officials have a deeper understanding of the local security needs
and also that they are aware of the best ways to address such issues. This is in contrast with the
