Griffo Calls On Governor To Budget $100 Million For Fire Departments

Senator Joseph Griffo is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include $100 million in grant funding in this year's state budget to help support financially struggling fire departments.

Cuomo has already announced a number of funding proposals in advance of his budget address this week.  Griffo says he believes the governor should direct some of that generosity toward the volunteer and paid firefighters who are among those that need help most.

Senator Griffo’s proposed Firefighter Investment, Retention & Equipment grant program – or FIRE – would create a pool of $100 million that would be available for those volunteer and paid fire departments most in need – split $50 million for volunteer departments and $50 million for paid departments.

Cuomo will deliver his State of the State Address and 2016 budget presentation on Wednesday in Albany.