New legislation enhances EMS services statewide

ALBANY | Lawmakers are applauding the recent passage of a series of legislation to support emergency medical services (EMS) across the state. "Time and time again, our emergency medical professionals run into danger – with no concern for their personal safety – to save the life of a fellow New Yorker," said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. "These bills will help ensure they have the tools they need to continue to keep us safe." Included in the bills passed by both houses is legislation to have counties, and the municipalities within their borders, meet and develop a plan to ensure that all areas in their county are provided reliable emergency medical service coverage. The county plans will help guide a statewide effort to improve EMS services (A8086-A, Otis). "EMS is facing a statewide crisis with staffing, response times and coverage, all trending in the wrong direction. This legislation will bring together all counties, cities, towns and villages to draft county plans to support programs that work and arrive at solutions for areas where services need to be enhanced," said Assemblymember Steve Otis. "Senator Mayer and I have championed the importance of understanding the different ways EMS is provided throughout the state and being guided by local judgements as to the best ways to grow services. Following on past efforts, Speaker Heastie has continued to make EMS issues a priority for the Assembly. We look forward to working with everyone involved in EMS throughout the state and with Governor Hochul, the Department of Health, and bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature to provide reliable services to all New Yorkers." Also passed this session is a bill that removes the cost of EMS from the real property tax cap on local governments (A2177-A, Lupardo). This will ensure local governments have the ability to fully fund EMS in their communities and provide them the resources they need to keep New Yorkers safe. "New York's EMS organizations require significant investment to support the equipment, personnel and training needed to save lives," said Assemblymember Donna Lupardo. "By removing EMS funding from the real property tax cap, additional resources will be able to come their way. This bill was a central part of our overall #RescueEMS campaign supported by the New York State Association of Counties and the New York Conference of Mayors." Lastly, the Assembly passed a bill to ensure ambulances and fire vehicles are provided refunds on Thruway Authority tolls incurred during emergency response operations in all instances (A34, Eachus). "As a representative with volunteer ambulance corps that rely on the New York State Thruway to respond to emergencies, this bill is indispensable to our community" said Assemblymember Chris Eachus. "This legislation will save precious time currently wasted on filling out forms, reduce costs for our EMS teams and free up funding that can be used towards additional resources that will save lives. I thank my colleagues for recognizing the importance of this issue and getting this bill to the finish line."

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New legislation enhances EMS services statewide

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