May 1, 2009
Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9), Senator Christopher J. Connors (R-9)
9th District Delegation Cites Potential Disruption in Medical Services and Tax Increases as Primary Concerns
Senator Christopher J. Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblyman Daniel M. Van Pelt today wrote Governor Corzine conveying their opposition to the proposed funding cut to the Emergency Medical Training Fund currently under consideration by the Administration. In their communication, the 9th District Legislators apprised the Governor of the negative feedback they have received from emergency technician personnel concerned with the negative consequences that would likely result from raiding the Fund.
The Fund is currently used to reimburse private agencies, organizations or entities to provide training and testing for volunteer ambulance, first aid and rescue squad personnel who are seeking emergency medical tech-ambulance and defibrillation intermediate certification, or who are taking refresher courses or recertification, for which the entity is not otherwise reimbursed.
Connors, Rumpf and Van Pelt expressed the following concerns in their recent letter to the Governor:
“We write today to convey our deep concerns over possible funding cuts to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training Fund. It is important to note that our Office continues to receive communications from emergency technician personnel who have advised that the funding reductions being sought by your Administration would have a dramatically negative impact on the ability of our state’s EMT system to maintain sufficient levels of trained personnel who can provide critical services.
Among the complaints brought forth by our constituents is that this funding cut would lead to a substantial reduction in the number of EMT volunteers who may be unable to pay for the training required. We have been advised that such a shortage in personnel would be felt by the public in the quality of care provided to those in need of emergency medical care. From the standpoint of morale, you couldn’t blame some EMT volunteers from choosing to no longer offer their free time when they are being required to pay for training when a Fund established for this purpose has existed for years.
Lastly, it would appear that the $4 million proposed cut to the EMT Training Fund is being pursued for the current fiscal year due to the state’s deep fiscal problems in terms of revenue collection. However, the prospect of fewer volunteer EMTs would mean that it would fall to many municipalities that rely on such personnel to provide for paid EMTs as a means of ensuring that there is no disruption in this critical service whereby the lives of individuals requiring emergency medical treatment could be placed in jeopardy. Needless to say, this added cost would most likely be passed on to residents of affected municipalities in the form of a tax increase.
It is our belief that both the short-term and long-term consequences of essentially raiding this Fund will have a profoundly negative impact and we, therefore, implore you to refrain from using funds from the Emergency Management Training Fund to balance the State Budget in the current fiscal year or in the future.”
Link to Post:
Similar Posts:
- How Low Will He Go?
April 29, 2009 - Connors/Rumpf/Gove Legislation Would Clarify Intent of Emergency Volunteer Personnel Tuition Credit Program
December 8, 2009 - Sean Kean Urges Corzine to Restore Arts, Shore, EMT Funding
June 19, 2009 - New Law Sponsored by Senator Doherty Helps Small Towns
November 30, 2009 - Haines Legislation Bolstering New Jersey’s Ability to Cope with Disaster Signed into Law
October 20, 2009
