The Pennsylvania State House yesterday unanimously passed a bill that would speed funding to volunteer fire and emergency service companies, many of which are facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic due to restrictions on fundraising activities.
The legislation creates a program providing first responders with crisis grants funded by a one-time transfer of $30 million from the Volunteer Companies Loan Fund.
The emergency grants would be subject to approval by the State Fire Marshall and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
The bill now goes to the State Senate for further consideration.