SPRINGFIELD – Fire protection is among the safety measures discussed by lawmakers and state officials in budget talks at the Illinois Capitol.
At a Senate Appropriations Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee hearing last Wednesday, State Fire Marshal James Rivera described the funding ask for the marshal’s office in Senate Bill 2583, filed by state Sen. Elgie Sims, D-Chicago.
“This proposed budget request is for $68.6 million to allow the agency to continue providing statutorily-mandated services and programs, which support the Illinois fire service,” Rivera said.
State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, suggested that Rivera could have asked for more money. Bryant said grants are needed for volunteer fire services in smaller communities.
“There’s a real need. I know one little town that’s just south of me. They don’t even have, all of their equipment is expired. I’m talking about the little town of Grand Tower. The next closest town to them is going to be Murphysboro, and that’s nearly 20 minutes, lights and sirens, on country roads to get there,” Bryant said.
State Sen. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, said he agreed with Bryant about the importance of funding fire services.
