FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2003
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Waugh Resolution on Delivery of Fire and Emergency Services in PA Reported From Committee

Bill would establish committee to develop legislation for improving services

HARRISBURG – Today the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously supported Sen. Mike Waugh’s (R-York) resolution calling for the establishment of a select committee to develop legislation to improve the delivery of fire and emergency services in the Commonwealth.

Waugh and Sen. Sean Logan (D-Monroeville) recently introduced the concurrent resolution, which with one amendment made in committee today, would provide for a 24-member committee charged with the duty to develop legislation to establish an institutionalized, “needs-based” grants program for volunteer fire and emergency services and to provide adequate funds in the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program.

Waugh, co-chair of the Senate Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus in the Senate, explained that there was a "one-time" grants program in the year 2000, in which every volunteer fire company that applied received a check for about $9,900, and every volunteer ambulance service provider that applied received a check for approximately $6,000.

"This year, the annual budget contains a line item for a $25 million grant program. With the formation of this select committee we will be able to create enabling legislation that is essential for translating that funding from a line item in the budget to dollars and cents to our volunteers," said Waugh.

In addition, the committee would be responsible for developing legislation for a municipal firefighter education and training program and all other outstanding issues relating to the long-term problems of the fire and emergency services.

Waugh explained that today, recruiting and retention is at an all time low. Volunteers are responding to emergencies with inadequate protective gear and equipment or in some cases with no protective gear whatsoever.

During today's committee meeting, Sen. Don White presented an amendment to the resolution, which the committee accepted, that would provide for the inclusion of a representative from the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania.

The resolution, SR 60, now awaits further action from the Senate.