$25M bill for EMS passed in Pa. Senate
A bill that will provide $25 million in funding to Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services providers passed unanimously in the state Senate on Tuesday.
According to a news release from bill co-sponsor state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, Senate Bill 739 adds to the recent push to distribute $225 million in federal relief funds for hospital and behavioral health providers.
EMS companies would receive the funds through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. The bill would also ensure that volunteer, paid and combination fire departments are eligible for low-interest loans through the Fire and Emergency medical Services Loan Program.
“This builds on our continuing efforts to support all those who give so much to our communities every day,” Pittman said. “Many of our fire and EMS companies struggled financially before the pandemic, and the last two years have not lessened their problems.”