EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER TROOPS WOULD RECEIVE SUPPORT SUPPORT FROM AMATO, RUMPF, and MYHRE under the proposal

Senator Carmen Amato Jr., Representative Brian Rumpf and Representative Gregory Myhre (R-9) announced that they will introduce legislation that would require a public utility to charge a volunteer emergency services organization a residential rate for services provided on the main property of the organization. This would only be effective if the residential rate is lower than the commercial rate for the service at that property.

“Voluntary emergency services organization” is defined in the delegation’s legislative proposal as an organization that relies on volunteer members to provide emergency services, including, but not limited to, fire, first aid, emergency, ambulance or rescue services.”

The 9th District legislators issued the following joint statement regarding their proposed legislation:

“Volunteers provide important services to our communities and therefore deserve the state’s full support.”

“Paying lower utility bills would free up resources for emergency responders to improve the services they provide.”

“In particular, we would like to thank Chief George Dohn of the Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Company for his invaluable expertise in bringing this issue to our attention.”

“Our delegation remains committed to supporting our volunteer emergency personnel and will work to advance legislative initiatives that will enable these organizations to operate more effectively and also improve the quality of life of their dedicated members.”

The 9th District delegation has also introduced legislation (S-3806/A-4958) to exempt volunteer fire departments, EMS providers and veterans organizations from paying registration fees under the state’s Charitable Registration and Investigation Act.

The delegation also introduced legislation (SCR-106/ACR-136) to provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a police officer, firefighter, or member of a first aid, ambulance, or rescue unit who dies in the line of duty. The exception would include the surviving spouses of both paid and volunteer firefighters, as well as first aid, ambulance or rescue unit members.

Amato, Rumpf and Myhre have also all joined as co-sponsors on the companion legislation. S-2386 and A-3532which would establish a refundable gross income tax credit to provide reimbursement to active members of volunteer fire departments and first aid squads for the use of their personal vehicle in the performance of active duty. The companion bills were introduced by Senator Vin Gopal and Representative Margie Donlon MD, respectively.