State, Local Officials Testify Cybersecurity Needs Funding State, local and county governments officials testified that they need continually renewed, flexible funding to fend off increasing cyber threats during a U.S. Senate hearing earlier this month. June 29, 2021 • Screenshot Budget strains leave cyber defense goals identified but unadopted at state, local and county levels, where successful attacks could down 911 call centers, halt school classes and disrupt water systems and waste treatment, speakers said during a Senate hearing earlier this month. Lawmakers convening the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight hearing sought to determine how the federal government could use policy changes and new grants to better fund these needs, while controlling its own expenditures.