HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would reauthorize the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for Pennsylvania’s 1,829 fire companies and 1,259 emergency medical service (EMS) agencies.
The program is set to expire on June 30. Currently funded at $30 million, the grant program provides fire companies up to $20,000 and EMS companies up to $15,000.
Senate Bill 1099 would reauthorize the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for five years. It would also:
- Ask fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure the State Fire Commissioner’s Office can stay in communication.
- Eliminate the existing Firefighter 1 incentive, which has proven too cumbersome to administer.
- Call for the utilization of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Single Application for Assistance.
- Eliminate the outdated COVID-19 fire and EMS grants.
“For years, the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program has provided crucial funding to support our fire companies and EMS agencies,” Mastriano said. “It is imperative our first responders continue to have access to important financial resources without being cumbersome. The end result will be safer communities for Pennsylvania families.”
Senate Bill 1099 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Mastriano’s remarks delivered today in the Senate are available here.
Constituents of the 33rd Senatorial District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.
Media contact: Nate Silcox
717-787-4651