Senator Questions Why House is Stalling On Additional Funds for Rural Fire Departments

The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services Thursday questioned why House leaders appear to be stalling on providing extra funding to help rural fire departments repair and replace worn out equipment.

Governor Brad Henry signed into law Tuesday a measure that provided a total of $9 million for rural fire departments, which included setting aside $2 million immediately to help with equipment needs.

Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, has proposed a total of $7 million for equipment and said last week he believed he was close to a deal with the House to appropriate an additional $5 million for rural fire department equipment repair and replacement from FY 2006 revenue that will be available after the Rainy Day Fund reaches it’s Constitutional cap.

“I thought we were close to an agreement last week and I hear that Speaker Hiett told the media yesterday that he favored additional money for repair and replacement of rural fire department equipment,” Rabon said. “If we’re all in agreement, why the delay? Let’s go ahead and let these fire departments know there’s some more money in the pipeline so they can plan accordingly.”

Rabon said he agreed to let the House amend a Senate appropriations measure, but said it may be necessary for him to amend a House appropriations measure so that the Senate can act first and hopefully jump start the process of setting aside more money to make sure rural fire departments are adequately equipped for future emergencies.

“Rural firefighters are the first responders when disaster strikes rural Oklahoma. We should do all we can to make sure they have the resources necessary to protect our families and communities,” Rabon said.

In addition to the $5 million proposed for the equipment fund, Rabon is seeking to increase the death benefit to $10,000, and make it retroactive for two firefighters previously killed in the line of duty.