Legislation and Funding
As part of the FireRescue1 Legislation & Funding topic, we highlight articles that will affect the bottom line of fire department budgets and operations.
The bill increases the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,400; it also creates a deduction for income taxes paid on OT earnings for individuals making under $160,000 per year
With a busy Atlantic hurricane season expected, lawmakers are raising concerns about emergency readiness and public safety
The 2026 plan includes a move to eliminate the EMS special fund, shifting $75M in revenue to the general fund.
After battling cancer and enduring costly treatments, Westport Firefighter Paul Spennato advocates for early detection to protect his fellow firefighters
Trump’s spending bill keeps firefighter pay raises but cuts thousands of federal jobs, raising wildfire concerns
The $1 million custom rig includes dedicated space for command and research functions
With significant change afoot at the national level, perhaps now is the time to reposition the fire service to better recognize – and elevate – our role in government
“The closure of the National Fire Academy is ridiculous,” says Chief Caughey, urging fire service leaders to take action
Lawmakers propose lowering the retirement age for firefighters, citing high job stress and the need to retain public safety employees amid competitive pensions in neighboring states
Milford Fire Chief Anthony Fabrizi spoke in support of legislation that seeks to regain some of what is spent training new firefighters if they leave the department
Fire service leaders must focus on data, not emotion, when make their case for funding, staffing and more
Chief Marc Bashoor told Wolf Blitzer that the training pause will lead to a “degradation in our services”
A new bill could significantly raise wages for incarcerated firefighters, addressing long-standing concerns over low pay while ensuring fair compensation for those risking their lives
Representatives debate FEMA’s role and its impact on communities hit by disaster
The organizations are mobilizing fire service personnel and advocates to contact their elected officials and push for reopening the National Fire Academy
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor offer potential solutions that would accommodate both training and program reviews
Free screenings would begin in a firefighter’s fifth year of employment, but concerns remain over funding, as the legislation lacks state financial support
The Sterling Fire Department’s current Truck 4 had “been in service less than 100 days” in the nearly three years the department has had the truck
Goldfeder, Bashoor, Moore-Merrell, Leeb and other U.S. fire service leaders urge reaching out to elected officials about the importance of National Fire Academy programs
Let us not forget that beyond its academic contributions, the National Fire Academy also houses the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial
The Chippewa Falls Fire & EMS Department is back to full strength, thanks to strategic hiring efforts, a voter-approved referendum and new incentives aimed at attracting firefighter/EMTs
The longtime volunteer, safety and health advocate underscores the power of showing your members you care
Delaware County fire and EMS providers will receive funding as part of a $37 million grant program supporting emergency services across the state
As federal funding uncertainties loom, the Congressional Fire Services Institute emphasizes the need for first responders to follow legislative developments
Whether new or used, apparatus costs are skyrocketing, and departments need to develop a plan
Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Josh Hawley have introduced a bill aimed at expanding mental health support for police officers, firefighters and EMTs
Madison firefighters have been working out of cramped firehouse built in 1923
FEMA told grant recipients they must provide additional details on fund distribution and use, with processing times extended up to 30 days
Grant awardees are reportedly unable to conduct drawdowns from already approved grant fund accounts
Last month the White House paused federal funding to align with Trump’s agenda, disputing the court’s authority to intervene
Town of Ulster officials are allowing a property tax reduction to first responders who live in a district other than the one they serve
A voter-approved tax allowed Boulder County to provide grants to fund equipment, station upgrades and emergency vehicles
The fund supports 137,000 people affected by toxic exposure from the attacks at the World Trade Center, as well as the plane crashes in Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon
MOST POPULAR
- $231K grant helps Ill. FD with recruiting, equipping new firefighters
- Legislators launch bipartisan effort to save 9/11 health program from Trump administration cuts
- Grant, ARPA funding helps Mass. FDs purchase thermal imagers and new fire engine
- The Firefighter Cancer Registry: Is it waste, fraud or abuse? I’m listening.
- Budget committee votes to eliminate LAFD battalion chief aide positions