Obama jobs proposal includes $1B for firefighter jobs

WASHINGTON — A jobs proposal presented by President Obama includes plans to spend $1 billion to maintain and grow firefighter staffing levels.

The proposal is part of a $450 billion stimulus package designed to provide a boost to the U.S. economy.

According to the IAFF, the funding — designated for the SAFER program — would be enough to rehire every laid-off firefighter and add thousands of additional new positions.

"President Obama proved to the public safety community that he gets it," said IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

"His jobs proposal will put fire fighters back to work and prevent layoffs."

The proposal would also add $10 billion towards building out the D-Block radio network for first responders.