The Brief

State emergency management officials tasked with preparing for natural disasters and responding to emergencies think serious cuts to federal security grants and restrictions on money allocated for readiness and funding delays are posing a risk to their ability to respond to a crisis.

The reduction in funds for some states has impacted emergency management agencies, hiring more staff and purchasing vital equipment which aids in preparedness and responses to disasters.

RELATED: Trump plans to phase out FEMA: Here's what it means for states

In a statement obtained by the Associated Press, the Department of Homeland Security said the new FEMA requirements were necessary because of "recent population shifts" and that changes to security grants were made "to be responsive to ne

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