Commentary: How do you run a fire department without essential equipment like dedicated water tanks, fire trucks, and PPE? This is a question that fire chiefs across New Mexico are asking themselves every day. And with the Fire Grant Fund, we thought we had an answer for them. When resources are limited, fire departments can usually request additional funding from the Fire Grant Fund. But in a year of unprecedented budget shortfalls, the Grant Fund was forced to reject appeals from many departments in need.
That is why we are supporting Senate Bill 256, which would give our fire departments the resources they need to make essential purchases and keep our communities safe. With just two weeks left in the legislative session, the House companion bill to SB 256 was approved by a 69-0 vote on March 2nd. So, it falls to the New Mexico Senate to pass this legislation before time runs out.