Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 1, 2022 10:45 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Gary Day |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Volunteer Fire Fighter Benefit - Adding Individual Firefighters to COSTARS Program |
| By not taking a salary and traditional employee benefits, volunteer firefighters across the Commonwealth donate about 80% of what would be the budget for local fire protection in some of our communities. With so many other options to spend our time, recruitment and retention of volunteers is harder every day. It is my hope that we offer multiple reasons to be a volunteer, that together begin to recognize the value that these volunteers contribute to their local communities. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Cooperative Purchasing Program (COSTARS) serves as a conduit through which registered and eligible local public procurement units and state-affiliated entities are able to leverage contracts established by DGS to identify suppliers efficiently and at low-cost. Current members may include any nonprofit fire company, rescue company, or ambulance company. Excluded from this program are individual volunteer firefighters from these departments, who may want or need to purchase vehicles, equipment, etc. for their own uses. Thus, I am introducing legislation to include individual volunteer firefighters in the COSTARS program. The Office of the State Fire Commissioner will be required to implement a policy containing the criteria to qualify for the program within 90 days of this legislation’s passing. In addition, fire chiefs will be required to keep specific records of volunteers’ activities and volunteers must apply and swear with affidavit to their qualification to participate. Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters contribute an immense amount of service and sacrifice to our Commonwealth on a daily basis. My legislation is an effective way to facilitate necessary equipment procurement and honor the critical services they provide. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation for our firefighter community. |
Introduced as HB2663