Bucks Co. Lawmakers Back Bills For First Responders

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers from Bucks County are among those in Harrisburg backing bills aimed at helping the state's first responders.

Among the legislation slated for votes in the next two weeks are bills that would exempt first responders from a realty transfer tax, provide help for post-traumatic stress disorder and create tuition help for first responders seeking higher education.

According to lawmakers, the number of volunteer EMS workers in Pennsylvania has dropped to 37,000 from a high of 300,000 in the 1970s. Of Pennsylvania’s 2,462 fire companies, more than 90 percent are volunteer companies.

"The package is necessary to reverse the significant drop in volunteer emergency responders throughout the state by providing a broad package of programs," said Rep. Frank Farry, of Middletown.

Farry is a co-author of H.B. 269, which would provide an exemption from the Realty Transfer Tax, for the transfer of real estate from the surviving spouse or minor child of a first responder, within five years of the first responder's death.

State Rep. Wendi Thomas, of Northampton Township, co-sponsored H.B. 1459, which would create the Emergency Responder Mental Wellness and Stress Management Program for responders, including 911 dispatchers and coroners.

"We're not adequately caring for volunteers when they suffer from the physical and mental stress caused by their responsibilities," said Thomas.

Another bill would provide an exemption from the realty transfer tax for volunteer EMS, fire or rescue companies and yet another would expand post-traumatic stress benefits for first responders. Under that bill, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics would be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Law for psychological injuries arising from their work.

The House was expected to vote on a package of first-responder bills starting Monday.