Mastriano Bill to Streamline Funding Program for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies Passes Senate

HARRISBURG - Legislation introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate today.

"The bottom line is we do not want our first responders to be ill-equipped when fighting a fire and protecting our community," said Mastriano, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "By passing this important bill, we're supporting our brave firefighters and EMTs and helping ensure they can continue to perform their critically important jobs."

Senate Bill 1261 makes administrative changes to the Fire and EMS Grant program to streamline the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, requiring the State Fire Commissioner to use the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open.

The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner's low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies.

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a public hearing Monday about the rising costs of fire apparatus and how municipalities and fire companies have struggled to respond. Mastriano noted passage of this measure would help provide the assistance requested by fire companies and stakeholders during the hearing.

Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.