Senate Passes Sen. Mastriano's Fire and EMS Grant Renewal Bill

HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would reauthorize the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for 1,829 fire companies fire and 1,259 emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in Pennsylvania.

The program is set to expire on June 30. Currently funded at $30 million, the grant program offers fire companies up to $20,000 and EMS companies up to $15,000.

Senate Bill 1099 would reauthorize the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for five years. This would also:

• Ask fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure the State Fire Marshal's Office can remain in communication.
• Eliminate the existing firefighter 1 incentive, which has proven too cumbersome to administer.
• Call to use the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's one-time application for assistance.
• Eliminate outdated COVID-19 fire and EMS grants.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 that our first responders continue to have access to important financial resources without being encumbered. 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 on the Senate floor are available here.

The constituents of 33^rd The senatorial district can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or follow him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

Media Contact: Nate Silcox
717-787-4651