Pennsylvania has officially enacted a new law aimed at addressing long-standing financial challenges faced by emergency medical services (EMS) and fire companies. Senator Rosemary Brown (R-40) announced that her legislative package, which seeks to increase funding flexibility for these essential services, has been signed into law. The new legislation amends key municipal codes to help local governments allocate funds more effectively to meet the growing demands for EMS and fire services.
“This legislation provides local governments with the flexibility they need to ensure EMS and fire services can continue to meet the needs of their communities,” Senator Brown said. “By removing outdated restrictions, we are empowering municipalities to allocate funding where it is most needed—especially for staffing. This will help our first responders continue to protect our communities and save lives.”
The legislative package, which includes Senate Bills 1132, 1133, and 1134, specifically allows municipalities to use a larger portion of their local EMS and fire taxes for personnel costs—without raising taxes. Under the previous law, only half of the revenue from EMS taxes could be directed toward personnel, which limited the ability of local governments to address critical staffing shortages in both EMS and fire departments.
The legislation has been applauded for its practical impact in supporting first responders during a time of rising demand. According to Brown, the changes made by these new laws will help EMS providers and fire companies secure the necessary staffing levels to maintain their vital services. The legislation also aims to ensure that emergency services can respond more quickly and efficiently, without burdening local taxpayers with additional costs.
Senator Brown credited Debbie Kulick of Bushkill Emergency Service for her valuable input in the legislative process. “This is a perfect example of how government should work—listening to the people on the ground and making the changes that are needed,” said Brown. “Debbie’s feedback was instrumental in shaping this bill, and I’m proud of what we have achieved together.”
The new laws mark a significant step forward in ensuring that Pennsylvania’s fire and EMS services can continue to deliver critical care and emergency responses. By providing local governments with greater financial flexibility, the legislation allows for more sustainable funding of essential services, helping municipalities better serve their residents without increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.
As first responders continue to face challenges related to staffing and funding, these new laws offer a promising solution to ensure that EMS and fire services remain ready and equipped to handle emergencies.
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