Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney happy for what the vote means for departments across the state. Author: Chelsea Strub Updated: 4:49 PM EDT May 19, 2021
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. Whether it s from up high, down low, in the heat, or the snow, for firefighters in the city of Wilkes-Barre, battling flames is never easy.
But Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney says some of that stress is now lifted thanks to people who showed up to vote during Tuesday s primary election and voted yes on a statewide referendum concerning municipal fire departments. It s going to allow fire chiefs to have a tool in their toolbox, said Chief Delaney. Money is tight everywhere. Money is tight.
Every Pennsylvania voter â including independents and third-party members â will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are about as noncontroversial as possible. The other two? A different story.
Below, Spotlight PA breaks down the basics of what they would do, who is in favor, and who is opposed.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1
Currently, only Pennsylvaniaâs governor can end a disaster declaration, like the one the state is currently under to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. State law gives the General Assembly the option to pass a resolution to terminate the declaration, though the state Supreme Court ruled last year the governor can still veto the resolution. The Legislature can overturn a governorâs veto with support from two-thirds of members.
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The primary election is May 18. Photo Tyger Williams
All Pennsylvania voters yes, that includes independents and minor-party members will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are widely considered non-controversial. The other two? A different story. Below, Spotlight PA breaks down the basics of what they would do, who is in favor, and who is opposed.
Question 1
What would it do? Currently, only Pennsylvania’s governor can end a disaster declaration, like the one the state is currently under to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. State law gives the General Assembly the option to pass a resolution to terminate the declaration, though the state Supreme Court ruled last year the governor still gets the final say. The legislature can overturn a governor’s veto with support from two-thirds of members.
All fire services in Pennsylvania should be entitled to use the funds that are available to their departments. Thatâs the goal for one of the four referendum questions on the state ballot in the May 18 primary.
The premise sounds simple, but according to local fire officials, there is a misconception that approving the referendum could take funds away from volunteer fire companies.
The question originates from the Senate Resolution 6 Commissionâs (SR6) unanimous recommendation to change the Volunteer Loan Assistance Program and add career/combination fire departments.
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âWeâre trying to get Harrisburg to change some archaic laws that exist and open up the program where thereâs a windfall of money that municipal fire departments like the Norristown Fire Department and other departments in Montgomery County can take the opportunity to purchase fire apparatus. This is an important topic locally but also across the Commonwealth,â Norristo