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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 7, 2020 04:22 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jason Ortitay |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | COVID-19 Fire and EMS Relief Fund |
| Since the Governor issued his proclamation declaring a state disaster concerning COVID-19, the many volunteer fire companies which serve our communities have been negatively impacted by the state’s mitigation. These organizations which rely, in part, on money raised through community fundraisers have not been able to hold any event for the past several months. Even when our communities begin to return to normal these organizations will face struggles raising funds as nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians are unemployed, and many have seen their job permanently eliminated. I plan to introduce legislation to provide these important civic groups with financial assistance. My legislation will direct $250 million from the Federal CARES Act for volunteer fire companies across the Commonwealth. The legislation allows these companies to submit a copy of any cost incurred because of COVID-19 to the Treasury Department. This includes the average lost revenue from their fundraisers which were canceled due to COVID-19. As specified under the legislation, these volunteer companies can submit requests for reimbursement for any costs incurred from COVID-19 from March 6th through December 31st. Considering the amount of money being provided to volunteer companies under the bill, the legislation also specifies accountability measures to ensure taxpayer money is not misused. Please join me and co-sponsor this legislation to support the volunteer fire companies which serve our communities. |
Introduced as HB2744