Our emergency responders are there for us at our worst moments: fires, accidents, medical emergencies, disasters. But they cannot do that work without reliable equipment, and the cost of that equipment has risen to unsustainable levels. This is largely due to private equity firms acquiring significant portions of the emergency response apparatus industry.
 
In Pennsylvania, we have seen the consequences firsthand. KME, a family-owned fire truck manufacturer, operated in Nesquehoning for seven decades before a private equity firm bought it in 2016. It was one of six fire truck brands acquired by a single firm, and by 2022, KME was closed. As a result of this consolidation, new apparatus became unaffordable as fire companies were left with less options.
 
When these companies are purchased, the hole left in the community is felt by everyone. That is why we will introduce legislation to expand Pennsylvania's antitrust oversight by establishing a state-level notification and review process for mergers and acquisitions involving public-safety vehicle manufacturers. This bill will provide tools for investigating and challenging anti-competitive acts. Please join us in ensuring our emergency responders have the equipment they need to continue protecting our communities.