AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Taxation Committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Stephan Bunker, D-Farmington, that would allow municipalities to adopt a program to provide additional benefits to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
“As a 46-year volunteer firefighter, I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous it can be,” said Bunker. “I’ve also seen instances of volunteer fire departments and ambulance services ceasing operations due to a lack of volunteers, which poses an immense risk to public safety. If we want to continue to recruit and retain dedicated volunteers in this field, we must offer them something more in return, and this bill is an important first step.”
As amended, LD 294 would expand upon current law to allow a municipality to provide benefits to residents age 62 or older and adds incentives for volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians, with the goal of improving the recruitment and retention of these critical volunteers.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Bunker is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents Farmington and Chesterville. He serves on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Bunker) | 305-965-2744