Emergency responders risk their lives to help their fellow citizens, and nearly 80 percent in Iowa are volunteers. They are the backbone of emergency medical services across the state, ensuring Iowans get the care they need in emergencies.
However, there are not enough resources to support Iowa’s emergency services, especially in rural areas. The budget cuts brought on by the national economic recession have made the problem even worse. That’s why the Senate approved SF 346. The goal of this legislation is to establish a task force to study how Iowans can continue to provide quality emergency services—both paid and volunteer, in urban and rural areas. The House chose not to consider the bill.
Senate Democrats consider quality emergency services a public safety priority and have decided to provide the necessary resources to create the task force in the Health & Human Services Budget. Additionally, we are increasing payments for the emergency medical services provided by Medicaid. This is a step toward increasing Iowa’s rates so that they are closer to those of neighboring states.
We will work with our colleagues in the House to ensure this important issue remains at the forefront as we wrap up the 2013 session.