In his first budget proposal, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro called for more than $50 million for 9-1-1 dispatch systems and $36 million to staff, equip and train firefighters and EMS providers.
“I know firsthand how our local municipal and county governments are on the frontlines of keeping their communities safe, and they need our support now more than ever,” Shapiro said. “My budget will ensure we do more to empower those on the frontlines overseeing our emergency response efforts. My Administration’s top priority is keeping people safe – and my budget’s $50 million investment in our 9-1-1 dispatch system and $36 million for firefighters will help ensure that police, first responders, firefighters, and EMS providers have the resources they need to serve the good people of Pennsylvania. This is an issue that Democrats and Republicans support – because it’s common sense.”
Shapiro noted that the state currently faces a shortage of critical frontline workers and first responders, with 20 percent of full-time 9-1-1 dispatch jobs alone currently unfilled. Likewise, in 2018, there were 22,000 fewer volunteer firefighters compared to the early 2000s. Such shortages leave whole departments under strain, and accordingly, their efforts in their communities can suffer for it.
To counter this, beyond the aforementioned, Shapiro’s $50 million proposal for 9-1-1 dispatch systems would also be tied to the cost of living to keep up with inflation and rising costs. Further, he proposed $1.5 million for the Municipal Assistance Program to support local governments and counties with emergency resources to implement emergency support services and guide community revitalization efforts. If approved, that would represent a 266 percent increase over previous funding levels.
On top of all this, the budget would create a Public Safety and Protection Fund to keep money flowing to the Pennsylvania State Police while granting a tax credit of up to $2,500 for new officers.