Hanna Backs Bill To Protect Volunteer Fire Departments

Congressman Richard Hanna was at the New Hartford Fire Department to discuss his support of a bill to protect volunteer firefighters.

Hanna says under Obamacare, volunteer fire departments with 50 or more employees must provide health insurance or pay penalties.

He says it's another example of an Obamacare provision that lacks common sense.

Hanna says the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act ensures that emergency services volunteers are not counted as full-time employees.

“The Mohawk Valley depends heavily on volunteer firefighters,” Rep. Hanna said. “Most of our local volunteer fire departments operate on very tight budgets and are in no position to pick up a costly, new tab from Washington and provide health insurance that many volunteers do not want or need.

The bill has passed the House and will be taken up by the Senate.