|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Tony Melio |
|
Melio: emergency services bills headed to governor
HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Tony Melio, D-Bucks, said three bills he sponsored to enhance emergency services throughout Pennsylvania communities are on their way to being signed into law.
House Bills 1131, 1133 and 1134 were all unanimously passed by the House this week and have been sent to the governor for his signature.
“These bills will go a long way to ensuring the safety of thousands upon thousands of citizens across the state,” said Melio. “Knowing that emergency services are there, in place and ready to assist in emergencies are key public safety issues that were addressed with this legislation.”
The bills require that certain municipalities -- first- and second-class townships and boroughs -- within Pennsylvania be responsible for ensuring that fire and emergency services are available to all residents within their jurisdiction.
“It is my intent with these bills to make sure all communities are adequately covered by the appropriate emergency services and fire personnel,” Melio said. “This may mean they have their own volunteer departments or are in need of a neighboring municipality’s services. That can be worked out between the local governments and the emergency services and volunteer companies.”
Melio added that he introduced these bills based on the needs and priorities to address volunteer fire company and emergency service issues across Pennsylvania.
Melio is the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. His legislative district includes Bristol Township, a first-class township and Middletown Township, a second-class township.
###sad/2008/agh
l:\print\releases\emsbills.141