Firefighter partnership, veterans
 support bills approved

Senate sessions now available live online

Continuing the efforts to help Pennsylvania’s emergency responders, the Senate approved legislation this week that would provide financial assistance to volunteer fire departments, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39).  The Senate also passed legislation assisting veterans and initiated a new service giving citizens the opportunity to watch Senate activities online.

In 2002, voters approved a $100 million bond for firefighters.  Senate Bill 96 would implement the grant program by encouraging volunteer departments to work together in a cooperative manner, according to Senator Regola.  The legislation does not mandate regionalization, but rather encourages fire departments to work together to find ways to improve their response to emergencies and their capabilities once they get there.

Senator Regola has been a leader in the General Assembly’s efforts to support emergency responders and served as the prime sponsor of the Senate version of the recently enacted law that authorized a $25 million grant program for volunteer fire companies and ambulance squads annually for the next five years.

“I am pleased that we passed this bill, which encourages fire companies to work together as a way to address staffing and financial problems,” said Sen. Regola. “Senate Bill 96 doesn’t force anything on fire departments, but rather provides incentives for them to think regionally.”

SB 96 would create a new program to provide private, non-profit volunteer fire companies/departments or EMS organizations funds for the following activities:

• The creation or formation of new or expanded organizations through merger, consolidation, regionalization, or other recognized partnerships.
• Education and/or informational programs designed for recruitment and/or retention of existing members.
• Other innovative approaches to partnerships that would be considered on a case-by-case basis and evaluated by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Senate Bill 96 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Senate also approved and sent to the House for consideration Senate Bill 915, legislation which is aimed at improving outreach and assistance to Pennsylvania veterans. 

        The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Regola, would provide financial assistance to the Veterans Administration accredited service officer programs offered by nationally chartered veteran service organizations including the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and the Disabled American Veterans. 

The program would be coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to enhance the availability of veterans’ assistance throughout the state, to measure performance and program outcomes, and most importantly, ensure the ongoing monitoring and continual improvement of services to Pennsylvania’s veterans’ community.

This week also marked the beginning of a new service to help citizens monitor Senate actions, as a video feed of the Senate's floor action is now available via the Internet. The live video stream, when the Senate is in session, is available through the Senate's bipartisan web site at www.pasen.gov by clicking on “Senate Session Live.”

“I am excited that this source is now available to the public,” said Sen. Regola.  “The live video feed provides easier access for constituents seeking legislative information, in addition to contributing to a more open state government.”

Senator Regola has taken a strong stance in the effort to enact government reform as he is the prime sponsor of the Taxpayer Protection Act Constitutional Amendment -- to set limits on state spending -- as well as a Constitutional Amendment to end “lame duck” voting sessions.

Broadcasting the Senate's floor action on the Internet is the latest in a string of reforms and improvements to public access, according to Senator Regola.  The new Senate rules include:

• Requiring all Senate roll call votes be posted on the Internet within 24 hours, and all Senate committee votes to be posted online within 48 hours.
• Requiring posting the Senate's Legislative Journal – which includes the full text of all floor debates – on the Internet within 45 days.
• Requiring amendments to be posted to the Internet before they are voted on
• Establishing a six-hour waiting period before the Senate votes on an amended bill or a conference committee report.
• Requiring an updated fiscal note for a bill that has been amended.
• Limiting Senate session times to between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Eliminating private leases for Senate vehicles.
• Implementing a co-pay on health insurance for Senators and staff.
• Prohibiting members who live within 50 miles of the Capitol from claiming per diems.

In addition,  the Senate passed legislation (House Bill 10) to unlink state judicial salaries from federal salaries.  That bill has been signed into law as Act 30 of 2007.  Other reform bills to pass the Senate this year include Senate Bill 467, which would increase penalties for violating the Sunshine Law; Senate Bill 468, which would eliminate “lame duck” legislative sessions; and Senate Bill 729, which would require government salary information to be posted online.

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Contact:  Nathan Silcox (717) 787-6063