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Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today announced he introduced the Supporting Our First Responders Act, a bipartisan bill that delivers $50 million in federal funding to support emergency medical service (EMS) agencies. Rep. Molinaro introduced this bill after hearing directly from EMS agencies in rural communities that are struggling to deal with underfunding and understaffing. Rep. Molinaro introduced this bill alongside U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ-03).

EMS agencies, especially those in rural and medically underserved areas in Upstate New York, play a critical role in delivering lifesaving care, helping combat the opioid epidemic, and meeting mental health needs. Unfortunately, local EMS agencies are facing significant challenges that threaten their ability to carry out their mandate. This includes facing a workforce shortage, using aging equipment, and not receiving adequate financial support from New York State.

Rep. Molinaro’s bipartisan bill creates a grant program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that delivers $50 million in federal funding to support EMS agencies. This funding will allow public, private, and non-profit EMS agencies, along with state and local governments, to hire and train medical personnel, receive appropriate reimbursement for required training, construct and improve facilities, and support other EMS operation needs. The bill also provides $5 million in funding to assist EMS agencies navigate the grant application process.

Rep. Molinaro said, “EMS agencies are being asked to do more, with less staff, less funds, and fewer resources. While we like to say our EMS personnel are heroes, and they are, we can’t expect them to do the impossible. My bill is providing $50 million in federal funds to help local EMS agencies hire and retain more staff, complete training, improve facilities, and purchase lifesaving equipment.”

Diane Scalzo, Supervisor of the Town of Columbus, Chenango County said, “Ignoring or neglecting a problem doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist; or that it will go away on its own. Rural Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is on financial life-support. The problems are profound and systemic. EMS provides critically important medical care that is life-saving, life extending or essential to the reduction of pain and treatment of acute conditions. For those living in rural areas, including all of Chenango County, the ambulance is an ER on wheels. We are grateful that Congressman Molinaro’s bill achieves federal recognition of EMS as an essential service. The bill will help in obtaining significant financial support to stabilize EMS now and to address the many systemic financial problems resulting from woefully inadequate fee reimbursements for services provided.”