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
.
All Pennsylvania voters â yes, that includes independents and minor-party members â will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18. Two of them are about as non-controversial 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.
Question 1
What would it do? 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 still gets the final say. The legislature can overturn a governorâs veto with support from two-thirds of members.
Your guide to Pa.’s 2021 primary ballot questions
Sarah Anne Hughes
Spotlight PA
Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters.
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 about as non-controversial 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.
Question 1
The primary election is May 18.
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 about as non-controversial 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.
Question 1
What would it do? This is a statewide referendum (as opposed to a constitutional amendment) that would allow municipal fire departments or companies with paid personnel, as well as EMS companies, to apply for a loan through an existing state-run program for volunteer companies. The money can be used to modernize or purchase equipment.