AB 678 Signed by Governor, Will Generate up to $50 Million Each Subsequent Year
SACRAMENTO – The Governor has signed into law Assembly Bill 678, legislation authored by Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) that will bring California fire departments critical federal funding when local governments are struggling to fund vital public safety programs.
“Fire stations, an indispensible part of our emergency response process, are in grave danger of closure without proper funding,” Dr. Pan said. “AB 678 allows fire departments to receive federal reimbursements for the life-saving emergency services they so bravely provide every single Californian, every single day. I am proud to have worked closely with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District on this bill to provide this critical funding for fire departments across the state.”
“Dr. Pan is to be commended for his outstanding delivery of additional revenue to fire departments throughout the state of California through AB 678,” said Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department Chief Kurt Henke, “Today, it is Dr. Pan who is the true hero of the Fire Service. This revenue will greatly assist in preventing further station closures and perhaps the re-opening of a currently closed station. We would also like to thank Senator Steinberg and California Professional Firefighters (CPF) for their assistance in moving this legislation forward.”
AB 678 would allow local fire departments to receive approximately $90 million by empowering them to submit to the California Department of Health Care Services certified medical transport expenses that could then be submitted to the federal government for reimbursement. The funding is also predicted to provide local fire departments with up to $50 million in subsequent years. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department has partnered with Dr. Pan to identify the federal funding, a portion of which would help offset local cuts and possibly prevent fire stations in Sacramento from being closed.
“Every fire agency that provides transport services stands to benefit from the reimbursements authorized by AB 678,” said Lou Paulson, President of CPF. “At a time when public safety services are starved for funding, this measure provides a lifeline that will help keep fire stations open and firefighters on the front lines.”
Dr. Pan has an additional five bills that have passed the Legislature and await action by the Governor.
Dr. Richard Pan is a father, pediatrician, educator, small business owner and first-term Assemblymember who lives in Sacramento. He also represents the Cities of Citrus Heights and Folsom and surrounding areas.
CONTACT: Brian O’Hara (916) 319-2005
Website of Assemblymember Richard Pan: www.asmdc.org/pan
