Senator White Backs Fire & EMS Grants bill

House Bill 906 would reauthorize the program for 5 years

Senator Don White applauded the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee's approval today (June 11) of a bill that would reauthorize a popular fire/EMS grant program for five years.

The reauthorization would provide steady funding for the important public safety grant program, said Senator White, the former chairman and current member of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Since 2000, the General Assembly has regularly appropriated $25 million to the PA Emergency Management Agency to provide grants to volunteer fire and EMS departments. However, it has previously lapsed.

"I am extremely pleased that this bill was approved by the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. The key part of this bill, as opposed to similar bills in the past, is the five-year reauthorization," said Senator White. "In the past, this program was reauthorized on an annual basis, which wasn't usually a problem unless the Administration decided to withhold funding during any particular budget. This extended reauthorization period will reassure the men and women in the field that Pennsylvania is committed to this important program."

HB 906 also provides for a one-time double grant program for 2007, using $25 million on hand in gaming revenue and an additional $25 million to be released on or after July 1 as part of Pennsylvania's state budget for Fiscal Year 2007-08.

The measure is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(717) 787-8724