Aug 1, 2002 2 min read

Dear Editor: In November, you will have an opportunity to make a difference for volunteer firefighters in your community and across the state.

All it will take is a trip to the voting booth and the registering of one vote on a referendum.

While I’m sure many of you are accustomed to hearing me talk about the needs of volunteer firefighters and emergency services volunteers, today I’d like to tell you what the governor has decided to do.

As part of the 2002-03 General Fund budget, a $20.7 billion spending plan, there is some encouraging news of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel.

The plan includes a referendum for this November that asks voters to support a $100 million bond issue to help volunteer firefighters finance the improvements and equipment they need to ensure public safety.

Our volunteers save Pennsylvania and its municipalities about $6 billion each year in taxes and fees. A few years ago, Pennsylvania provided a $25 million grant program, which was utilized by the roughly 2,400 local volunteer fire departments and 1,500 ambulance services to fund critical needs that allowed them to respond to the community and to save lives.

Unfortunately, the program was cut from the 2001-02 spending plan and never reinstated. That was a costly error.

So, while I am skeptical of the administration’s reticence to simply reinstate a program they already know will work, I am heartened that they are making a movement toward answering and supporting critical public safety needs.

It is time for you to help those who help others. In November, make a point of going to the polls and carefully consider this referendum.

And when you’re done thinking about that, think about what the selfless dedication of volunteer firefighters and emergency services personnel means to you and your family.

If you have any questions about the referendum, please feel free to call my district office. My door always is open to you.

Rep. Tim Solobay

Cannonsburg