Stefano Bill Offering Low-Interest Loans to Fire Companies Receives Senate Support

HARRISBURG – The Senate unanimously supported legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) to implement the will of the people made clear during the primary election. Senate Bill 739 would provide access to low-interest loans for municipal fire companies.

The bill would permit municipal fire departments or companies that provide services through paid personnel and emergency medical services companies to participate in the Emergency Services Loan Assistance Program, which has been historically limited to volunteer fire companies.

“As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I am deeply aware of the financial struggles facing our fire companies across the state. They need all the help we can give them, so I am thankful the public supported the ballot referendum that made my bill possible,” Sen. Stefano said.

Senate Bill 739 would also ensure representation on the loan program’s Application Review Committee of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, the Pennsylvania Career Chiefs Association, as well as the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

As the bill received unanimous support in the Senate, it now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

CONTACT:  Nathan Silcox, 717-787-7175, nsilcox@pasen.gov

 

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