Fire & EMS Grants Bill Clears Senate

House Bill 906 will reauthorize the program for 5 years

The Senate yesterday approved and sent to the Governor a bill that will reauthorize a popular fire/EMS grant program for five years, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39), prime sponsor of the Senate version.

“I am very pleased that House Bill 906 was passed and will be headed to Governor.  It does not matter that my bill did not get passed.  What matters is that we are finally providing essential support for our first responders,” said Sen. Regola.  “Passing this legislation is another strong example of our support for our volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.”

Since 2000, the General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to provide grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments.  However, it has lapsed in the past.  Sen. Regola said that the five year authorization would provide funding on a steady basis.

Last week, Senator Regola sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi urging Senate concurrence of the latest House amendments to the bill.

“Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire departments and ambulance squads urgently need the financial support that is authorized through this legislation and it is essential that we take the steps to ensure that House Bill 906 is forwarded to the Governor for enactment prior to the Legislative summer break,” Sen. Regola wrote. “Any additional delays in enacting House Bill 906 will have dire consequences as far as the prospects of awarding $50 million in grant funding during the upcoming fiscal year and that would be a severe blow to Pennsylvania’s dedicated volunteer first responders.”

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Contact:  Nate Silcox    (717) 787-6063