Tuesday, January 17, 2012


Fellow Emergency Responders, PA's Fire & EMS Grant Reauthorization NEEDS your support!!! PA's Fire and EMS Providers Support HB955 Take Action!

Fire and EMS Grant Support is Absolutely Necessary   "This program has been successful at helping countless volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance organizations over the years, and I am happy to ensure its continuation," said Barrar. "It was a bi-partisan effort to expand the program to cover municipal fire companies. Both volunteer and municipal firefighters are risking everything to protect the lives and property of Pennsylvania citizens. By expanding this program to include municipal fire departments, we may be able to keep more firefighters on duty in Pennsylvania."

HB955 would extend the VFCVASGP, which is set to expire on June 30, 2012, through the end of June 2016. With the amendment approved today by the committee, the total available funding in future years would increase from $25 million to $40 million. Funding for the program does not come from the state's General Fund, but is distributed from the State Gaming Fund.

During the meeting, Barrar was questioned about how the increase would impact gaming revenue distributions to the Property Tax Relief Fund.

"Funding for our emergency services is vital," said Barrar. "Along with the value added to our communities and properties from having a trained and reliable fire and ambulance service, volunteer fire companies save Pennsylvania taxpayers $6 billion annually. In addition to coming through when the fire alarm sounds or the 9-1-1 call is made, volunteers are hard at work in our communities with their efforts to educate the public about fire prevention and respond to non-emergency calls. This grant program will truly have a positive impact on the many emergency response efforts of our fire and ambulance organizations across the Commonwealth."

Information about the grant program and Barrar's other legislative priorities is available at SteveBarrar.com. He also posts updates at Facebook.com/RepBarrar.