Establishes the New York state volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account; provides reimbursement for expenses incurred related to procurement of personal protective equipment and other expenses.
Summary
Bill S04949 establishes the New York State Volunteer Fire Protection Emergency Reimbursement Account to provide financial support for volunteer fire companies, departments, and not-for-profit emergency medical services. The fund will be used to reimburse these entities for expenses incurred in procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) and for lost revenues due to municipal budget cuts during the state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill outlines the process for applying for reimbursement and specifies that funds will be managed separately from other state funds.
Impact
This bill amends the tax law and state finance law to create a dedicated reimbursement account for volunteer fire services in New York. It impacts state laws by establishing a new funding mechanism for volunteer fire departments and emergency services, ensuring they have access to necessary PPE and financial support during emergencies. The creation of this account may also influence future budgeting and funding priorities for emergency services in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S04949 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses the critical needs of volunteer fire services during emergencies. However, there may be concerns regarding the sustainability of funding and the administrative burden of applying for reimbursements, which could be points of discussion in future committee meetings or legislative sessions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise around the adequacy of funding for the reimbursement account and the criteria for eligibility. Some stakeholders might argue that the reimbursement process could be cumbersome or insufficient to meet the needs of all volunteer services, while others may express concerns about the long-term financial implications of establishing this account. These discussions could involve various stakeholders, including fire service organizations and state budget committees.
Establishes the New York state volunteer fire protection emergency reimbursement account; provides reimbursement for expenses incurred related to procurement of personal protective equipment and other expenses.
Establishes the New York state local emergency services account; provides reimbursement for expenses incurred related to procurement of any equipment including radio and communication items, apparatus, vehicles including snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, and boats, goods or services related to the renovation of any buildings, and personal protective equipment.
Establishes the New York state local emergency services account; provides reimbursement for expenses incurred related to procurement of any equipment including radio and communication items, apparatus, vehicles including snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, and boats, goods or services related to the renovation of any buildings, and personal protective equipment.
Provides for insurance reimbursement for expenses related to the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct care workers, care recipients and an emergency inventory of a ninety-day supply of PPE.