County Urges State to Make EMS Services Essential

By Holly Crocco

The Putnam County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution during its April 1 meeting supporting New York State legislative bills that will recognize emergency medical services as an essential service, and to enact legislation the ensure the sustainability of EMS providers through funding, reimbursement reform, and other support measures.

“It’s important for us to act on this now while the state is still negotiating its budget,” said Legislator Nancy Montgomery, D-Philipstown, who introduced the resolution. “There are eight bills in the state package to make EMS essential.”

According to the resolution, municipalities are increasingly being asked to fill growing gaps in funding for EMS services.

Currently, legislation is before the state that would provide income tax credits to firefighters and EMS corps, allow for reimbursement costs for transportation without prior authorization, enable programs for community paramedicine services, exempt EMS expenses from being included within the real property tax cap, repeal the provision that volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who receive a real property tax credit cannot also receive an income tax credit, and other measures.

“This is a package that’s been fully vetted by NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties),” explained Montgomery. “This resolution is a sentiment to send to the state that says we support these bills – we believe in making EMS essential for the hardworking first responders in our county and everywhere in our state.”

Fellow lawmakers agreed.

“These packages of bills have appeared before the State Legislature before in some form or another,” said Legislator Dan Birmingham, R-Brewster. “Each one of them has received bipartisan support.”

“Imagine dialing 9-1-1 and nobody comes,” added Legislator Bill Gouldman, R-Putnam Valley. “The EMS service is one of the most essential services we have throughout Putnam County and throughout the country. They are an incredible component of public health and safety.”