Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove today wrote to Governor Christie asking that the Governor veto A-2095/S-818 which would revise requirements for emergency medical services delivery in New Jersey.
In their letter, the 9th District Legislative Delegation outlined their deep concerns regarding A-2095/S-818, specifically the costs involved in implementing the bill’s provisions and its negative impact on volunteer emergency service personnel.
The text of the Delegation’s letter to the Governor follows:
January 5, 2012
Honorable Chris Christie, Governor
State of New Jersey
State House, P.O. Box 001
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0001
Re: A-2095/S-818; Revises Requirements for Emergency Medical Services Delivery
Dear Governor Christie:
Through this communication, our Delegation is respectfully requesting that you absolute veto A-2095/S-818 which would implement sweeping changes regarding the regulation of emergency medical services that encompasses basic and advanced life support services, and govern the qualifications, training and operations of paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and emergency medical responders. As you are aware, this legislation is presently on your desk following its approval by the Senate on December 15, 2011, having received the minimum number of votes to achieve final passage.
Please be advised that each member of our Delegation opposed A-2095/S-818 and voted against the legislation when it was presented on the floor of our respective Houses for final approval. In carefully reviewing this legislation and considering the insight offered by persons with expertise in EMS services provided in our state, our Delegation strongly believes this legislation will place onerous burdens on rural and suburban communities throughout the state that rely on volunteer emergency services organizations. The creation of new layers of bureaucratic requirements would thin the ranks of dedicated volunteers by making it more difficult to retain, recruit and train personnel.
In the end, we feel this legislation will lead to only paid EMS organizations in the state, which will quickly unionize. As a consequence, property taxes will skyrocket from the costs to the state to implement the bill’s myriad of provisions coupled with the expenditures municipalities, who presently rely on volunteer services, would incur when being left with no other option but to pay for such services.
While the intent to attempt to bring all EMS services under one umbrella is laudable, the costs and negative connotations of this legislation, ultimately, do not serve the best interest of the people. Your Administration has taken the lead in bringing government spending under control by eliminating and opposing expenditures the state can no longer afford. Now is not the time for the state to make far-reaching changes to an elaborate and complicated service system that will increase residents’ tax burden.
Again, our Delegation is respectfully requesting that you absolute veto A-2095/S-818 in the best interest of our state. Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this communication. As always, we look forward to working jointly with you in service to the people of the 9th Legislative District.
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER J. CONNORS
Senator
BRIAN E. RUMPF
Assemblyman
DIANNE C. GOVE
Assemblywoman
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