Local fire and emergency medical services continue to struggle with a lack of sustainable funding, often resulting in staffing shortages and increased response times. 
 
To help rectify this situation, the General Assembly raised how much certain boroughs and townships may levy in dedicated fire and emergency medical services taxes last year via Act 54 of 2024. However, this act only applied to municipal corporations located within counties which are contiguous to a city of the first class (Philadelphia).  
 
As the financial challenges facing our fire and emergency medical services are widespread across the Commonwealth, I intend to introduce legislation that will increase the statutory maximum amount for special purpose fire and emergency medical services taxes for all boroughs and first class townships, thereby aligning them with the changes authorized by Act 54. Similar legislation amending the Second Class Township Code (HB 393), was introduced by Rep. Pielli and passed the House earlier this year.
 
Please join us in supporting these critical measures which will enable our communities to better support their fire and emergency services.