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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Rick Mirabito D-Lycoming
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Mirabito joins colleagues seeking extension of grant program
for fire and emergency services
HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming, joined 111 of his colleagues in the House last week asking Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, to schedule a vote on H.B. 955, which would extend the Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services grant program. The program is set to expire June 30, 2012.
"This program is critical to the survival of so many of our first responders," Mirabito said. "House Bill 955 would extend the program for another four years."
The grant program is funded by the state's share of slots revenue. Proponents say the state's share has increased from $154.6 million to almost $797.9 million since 2005.
Mirabito said the letter reminded Turzai that the point of the legislation is to increase the amount of the grant program from $25 million to $40 million. "Over the past six years, the program received $125 million in state funding."
The letter went on to state that with the increase in annual funding, "The fire and EMS companies receive more money to provide the vital services our communities need. The fire and EMS grant program provides much-needed funds to approximately 2,700 volunteer fire, rescue and EMS organizations. Moreover, H.B. 955 will provide funding to our municipal fire companies, which will help our third class cities, many of which are struggling financially."
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