The Volunteer Investment in Responder’s Education (VIRE) Act provides for higher education tuition reduction for volunteer firefighters at our Community Colleges and PASSHE schools.
Volunteer firefighters donate their time and forgo wages and benefits, saving municipalities and residents approximately 80% of the traditional cost to operate a fire department. The VIRE Act recognizes these contributions by providing substantial tuition reductions at Pennsylvania community colleges and PASSHE institutions for active volunteers. By capping enrollment at 6 credits per semester, the legislation promotes slower degree progression and ensures these trained individuals remain in their home communities longer, delivering sustained public safety.
  70 % discounted Community College Tuition
  85 % discounted PASSHE school tuition
  Volunteers can enroll in up to 6 credits per semester
  Rewards volunteer firefighters that donate their foregone municipal wages & benefits for smaller    municipalities without enough residents/calls to support a paid fire company
  Mandates strict verification (chief + president signature), annual PDE certification, institutional audits, record retention, and no capacity-based denials to prevent abuse and maximize retention
Your co-sponsorship honors the personal sacrifice of our volunteers, strengthens community safety, and preserves fiscal stability for Pennsylvania towns. Please join me in co-sponsoring.