Policy Impact Analysis - 117/S/3592

Bill Overview

Title: Firefighter Staffing and Support Act

Description: This bill provides additional funding for firefighter staffing and safety grants. Specifically, the bill increases funding levels for FY2023 and sets a formula for funding for FY2024-FY2028 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants programs, including for technical assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration must submit to Congress and make publicly available reports on (1) plans to improve the grant application process to ease access to such grant funds; and (2) the challenges specific to rural and volunteer fire departments, including an action plan to address such challenges. The bill also provides protections for volunteer firefighters. An employer may not terminate, demote, or discriminate against a volunteer firefighter for providing emergency services as part of a response to an emergency or major disaster.

Sponsors: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]

Target Audience

Population: People who rely on fire and emergency services

Estimated Size: 332000000

• Firefighters, both full-time and volunteer, will directly benefit from increased funding, potentially leading to better staffing levels and resources.
• Volunteer firefighters gain additional protection from employment discrimination related to their service.
• By addressing the unique challenges of rural and volunteer fire departments, these groups are likely to see improved access to and benefits from the grant programs.
• In the U.S., there are an estimated 1.1 million firefighters, with 745,000 being volunteers, who will be directly affected.
• The families of firefighters, local communities, particularly those in rural areas, will indirectly benefit from enhanced fire and emergency services.

Reasoning

• The Firefighter Staffing and Support Act aims to provide benefits primarily to firefighters, which include both career and volunteer personnel, by enhancing staffing and safety protocols. This enhancement is expected to improve emergency response services, indirectly benefiting their families and the communities they serve.
• Considering a budget of $2 billion in the first year and $23.9 billion over 10 years, the funding is substantial enough to cause significant positive impacts for the target group of 1.1 million firefighters plus their indirect beneficiaries, spanning 332 million Americans.
• The focus on rural and volunteer fire departments aims to address and improve the conditions and protections for these less resourced but crucial components of emergency services in the U.S., suggesting a nuanced approach to the distribution of funds.
• Individuals not directly involved with firefighting or not living in communities with volunteer firefighters may experience little noticeable impact.
• The simulated interviews aim to reflect a broad spectrum of individuals, from directly impacted firefighters to community members who rely on emergency services.

Simulated Interviews

Cost Estimates

Key Considerations

• The costs will primarily hinge on the variability in grant funding mechanisms and administrative efficiency in grant dispersal.
• Protection of volunteer firefighters could lead to indirect societal benefits, though it doesn't directly affect government spending or revenue.
• The success or delay of implementation plans from FEMA could modify the cost structure.