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Recognizing the increasing budget
difficulties affecting many of New Jersey's
volunteer fire agencies, Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi
(District 16 - Morris and Somerset counties) has
introduced legislation raising the maximum amount a
municipality may contribute to a volunteer fire
company or fire district from $90,000 per year to
$120,000 per year.
Introduced on January 4, 2007,
Assembly Bill A3844 proposes to amend N.J.S.
40A:14-34. This statute authorizes the governing
body of any municipality in New Jersey to raise and
appropriate funds to be granted annually to
volunteer fire companies or fire districts within
their jurisdiction. Currently, the maximum amount of
this annual contribution is capped at $90,000. The
amendment rectifies a failure to account for
inflation since the original passage of the statute,
and would provide for biennial adjustments to
account for future inflation.
During a January 24, 2007
telephone interview, Assemblyman Biondi stated, "I
fully support our firefighters and rescue service
volunteers. I think they're very deserving and feel
we need to do all we can to get them the tools and
equipment they need."
The Bill is currently pending
action by the New Jersey Assembly Housing and Local
Government Committee, chaired by Assemblyman Jerry
Green (District 22 – Plainfield).
Supporters of this bill are
encouraged to contact Assemblyman Green and their
local New Jersey assemblypersons. |
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