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Tomlinson Introduces Legislation to Restore Volunteer
Firefighter/EMS Funding
HARRISBURG -- Sen.
Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) introduced legislation today that would restore $25
million in state funding to support volunteer firefighters and ambulance
services.
The Pennsylvania Supreme
Court threw out a provision in the gaming law that provided $25 million annually
to the Commonwealth's first responders, the largest single source of state funds
available to volunteer fire and ambulance companies. Tomlinson's legislation,
Senate Bill 867, would restore this annual funding to ensure that these
volunteer organizations would have access to necessary equipment and facilities.
"Our first responders
desperately need this funding to continue their selfless service to our
communities," Tomlinson said. "These brave men and women put their lives on the
line every day to defend our lives and property, and we must continue to provide
them with the equipment they need to protect us."
The funding would be used
for the construction or renovation of facilities, for the purchase or repair of
equipment, for training personnel, or for debts associated with capital
projects.
Tomlinson said that there
was strong bipartisan support for Senate Bill 867 and said he expects the bill
to be passed this Fall. Tomlinson also expressed gratitude to Sens. Don White
(R-Indiana) and Sean Logan (D-Allegheny) for their leadership on the issue.
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