Posted: | October 19, 2023 11:56 AM |
---|---|
From: | Representative Abby Major |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Third Class Cities Emergency Services Tax |
Soon, I plan to introduce a bill that would authorize Third Class Cities to levy an emergency services tax. There are thousands of municipalities and EMS entities across the Commonwealth that need more funding to provide critical emergency services to millions of Commonwealth residents. While EMS entities have their own subscription programs and fundraisers, the revenue still falls short of the rising costs of adequate pay and expensive but necessary equipment. We need to make sure our technicians are adequately paid and appropriately supplied with state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment. It is important to note that boroughs and townships already have the ability to levy an annual tax to support EMS but third-class cities do not have this same authorization. That is why I am introducing this important piece of legislation to help our cities provide a strong EMS service for their residents. This legislation would amend the Third Class City Code to authorize cities to levy an annual tax not to exceed one-half mill to support ambulance, rescue and other emergency services serving the city. As previously mentioned, this legislation is extending the same authorization to our third-class cities as our boroughs and townships already have. I ask you to join me in cosponsoring this most important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HB1895