Kildee Announces New Bipartisan Bill to Support Local Fire Departments

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today announced new legislation to help mid-Michigan fire departments address staffing shortages, purchase new equipment and improve training and emergency services.

Congressman Kildee's legislation, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, would extend the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) programs, which currently expire at the end of the year and would no longer be able to provide federal funds to local fire departments. The Fire Grants and Safety Act, introduced by Kildee and supported by Republicans and Democrats, would reauthorize funding for these critical federal programs until 2030.

Various mid-Michigan communities, including Flint, Saginaw, Flushing, Tittabawassee Township, Bay City and Buena Vista have previously received millions of dollars secured by Congressman Kildee through these federal programs.

"Our firefighters keep us safe, and we must ensure they have the resources necessary to protect our communities. That's why I'm working with Republicans and Democrats to provide critical federal funding for local fire departments. This bipartisan legislation will support mid-Michigan fire departments and firefighters so they can be ready when our community needs them," said Congressman Kildee.

Kildee announced this legislation today in Flint, alongside Flint Fire Chief Ray Barton and Chris Reynolds of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union at a local fire station. Photos are available here.

"It is essential that fire fighters have the equipment they need to safely do their jobs. This legislation will ensure Michigan fire departments can access federal funds for years to come. We are grateful for Congressman Kildee's support," said Chris Reynolds, Vice President of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union 1st/3rd.

Kildee introduced this legislation along with Representatives Jared Golden (ME-02), Carlos Giménez (FL-26) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-8). This legislation is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and International Association of Fire Chiefs.

"The IAFF is grateful to Congressmen Kildee, Golden, Gimenez, and Fitzpatrick for introducing the Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation that would reauthorize the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA)," said International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly. "These programs are vital to ensuring fire departments are fully staffed by trained and equipped fire fighters to respond to any emergency that threatens our communities. Studies and our own experiences have proven that proper staffing levels are key to safe and effective emergency responses. The IAFF also applauds these members of Congress for advancing legislation that would strengthen the USFA's role in educating the fire service and gathering the data we need to better protect our communities. The IAFF urges Congress to pass this critical legislation at the first opportunity."

In April, Kildee introduced the PFAS Firefighter Protection Act to protect firefighters by banning firefighting foaming containing toxic PFAS chemicals in America.

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