Runyan Co-Sponsors Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jon Runyan (NJ-3) helped introduce the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act as an original co-sponsor to Rep. Lou Barletta's (PA-11) bill. This bi-partisan legislation seeks to exempt volunteer firefighters and EMT's from the employer mandate provision in Obamacare. As part of the mandate, employers with 50 or more employees must provide health insurance or pay penalties to the IRS. This legislation, and its bi-partisan counterpart in the U.S. Senate, would resolve this issue.

"This issue impacts volunteer fire and rescue departments and is yet another unintended consequence of Obamacare," said Runyan. "I am pleased to join my friend Rep. Lou Barletta in offering a fix that ensures our brave firefighters can continue to protect and serve our communities in South Jersey and all over the country."

The Chief of Evesham Fire and Rescue Department, Thaddeus Lowden, stated, "Once again Congressman Runyan has thrown his support behind America's fire service. By supporting this legislation, the Congressman is working to help maintain a strong and viable volunteer fire service not only right here in Evesham Township but throughout this nation."

Runyan concluded by saying, "I am proud to have supported first responders since the beginning of my time in office. Having visited volunteer and combination departments all over the district, I know firsthand just how tight budgets are. This legislation will ensure that fire and rescue organizations can continue to train to fight fire and not have to worry about fighting crippling regulations."

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