Coming to Financial Rescue of Ambulance Units

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

from pa state nurses association enewsletter:

coming to financial rescue of ambulance units

a local lawmaker has introduced an amendment to state legislation that would divert a portion of the emergency and municipal services tax enacted by many municipalities to ambulance services.

known as the ems tax, the levy replaces the $10 occupational privilege tax and allows cities, boroughs and townships to collect as much as $52 per year from people who work within their municipal borders. local governments may earmark the money for emergency services, such as police and fire departments, road work or reduction of real estate taxes.

municipalities already may give a portion of the proceeds to ambulance services if they wish, but state rep. tim solobay, d-canonsburg, would like to see a minimum contribution required by law. solobay, a one-time emergency medical technician, argues that the name of the ems tax is confusing to the public and will lead to fewer contributions to subscription-based ambulance services.

solobay proposes that 10 percent of the revenue generated by the tax, not to exceed $5 per person, be diverted to ambulance companies.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/288679909940466.bsp