June 13, 2008
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 Anna Fitzsimmons
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Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades

Our Commonwealth's volunteer emergency responders provide an unparalleled level of service to our communities. These brave individuals take time away from their friends and families to protect our lives and property, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that these volunteer organizations can continue to operate efficiently and effectively.

I recently supported passage of a package of bills in the Senate that will help our fire and emergency service organizations recruit and retain volunteers. The bills would provide nearly $23 million in tax credits and tuition reimbursement to our volunteer responders and their employers.

Senate Bill 1314 would provide a $500 personal tax credit for active volunteer personnel at organizations certified by the State Fire Commissioner or the Director of the Emergency Services Office in the Department of Health. A companion bill, Senate Bill 1316, would provide a $1,000 tax credit for employers of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel, not to exceed $5,000 in any given year.

Senate Bill 1315 would provide a 50 percent tuition reimbursement for volunteer fire and emergency services volunteers. The reimbursement would apply at Pennsylvania community colleges, State System of Higher Education schools and state-related universities.

These measures were recommended by a bi-partisan commission of legislators, emergency responders and local government officials brought together to review the needs of the emergency services community. The Senate has taken action on a number of the commission's other recommendations, including legislation that provides grants for emergency response organizations, establishes a statewide mutual aid agreement, extends death benefits to emergency personnel killed in the line of duty, and helps local governments provide support for emergency response organizations. I look forward to examining the other recommendations of the commission in the near future.

In addition to providing a vital service to our communities, our first responders save taxpayers billions of dollars every year through their volunteer service. These dedicated volunteers deserve a great deal of credit for their service, and I am confident that the House of Representatives will give this legislation prompt consideration so it can be included in this year's budget.

Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties.