HARRISBURG – Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) announced that her legislative package to strengthen funding flexibility for emergency medical services (EMS) and fire companies has been signed into law. The new laws amend Pennsylvania’s municipal codes to support EMS and fire funding, addressing longstanding financial challenges in staffing and operations.
“These laws give local governments the flexibility they need to ensure EMS and fire services can meet growing demands,” Brown said. “Lifting outdated restrictions allows municipalities to allocate funds more effectively, particularly for staffing – enabling us to better support the essential personnel who protect our communities.”
The legislative package – consisting of Senate bills 1132, 1133 and 1134 – enables municipalities to use a greater portion of existing local EMS and fire taxes for personnel costs without raising taxes. Previously, only half of EMS tax revenue could be allocated to personnel, limiting municipalities’ ability to address the staffing shortages facing both EMS providers and fire companies.
Brown credited Debbie Kulick of Bushkill Emergency Service for her input on the legislation, highlighting the vital role of community feedback in shaping effective legislation. “This is exactly how government should work: people voice their concerns, and we make the necessary adjustments. The best laws come directly from the people,” Brown said.
These new laws empower local governments to prioritize and maintain critical emergency services, enhancing both the speed and reliability of responses without placing additional financial burdens on residents.
For a full list of Brown’s enacted laws, visit her website.
CONTACT:
Mackenzie Mueller