Arizona Fire District Safety Act Takes Big Step Forward; Measure Would Raise $150 Million Annually for Districts

Brothers and Sisters:

Monday, March 21st was a big legislative win for Arizona’s fire fighters and for the state’s 144 fire districts. SCR 1049, the Arizona Fire District Safety Act, took a major step forward when the bill passed out of the state House Lands, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee as a strike-everything amendment. This measure is the PFFA’s top priority this year and we owe enormous gratitude — once again — Sen. Paul Boyer, who again showed that no lawmaker in this state can match his commitment to public safety and to keeping fire fighters safe.

While there are more steps in the legislative process, including the need to pass a floor vote in the House, we are one step closer to getting this measure on the November ballot for voters to decide.

This temporary tenth-of-a-penny increase in the state’s sales tax will generate about $150 million annually for the state’s fire districts. These increased resources will take the pressure off our fire fighters and paramedics, and help ensure they have the equipment and training they need to provide fire, emergency and medical services to residents and travelers. As most of you already know, many of the state’s fire districts are strapped for funding and short of manpower, equipment and training.

To put the measure in financial perspective, if you spend $10 on lunch, the Arizona Fire District Safety Act would cost you a penny.

We will have more updates to come on this bill and the accompanying campaign.