New Bill Introduced to Give $300 Million to NY Fire and Police Departments

Mindy Cohn 

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Billy Jones have introduced legislation to help fire and police departments. 

The two lawmakers are requesting that Governor Hochul consider their proposed Public Safety Investment Act. The Act would provide access to grant funding of $300 million for recruitment and retention efforts in fire and police departments. Funds would also be used for purchasing equipment.

“Throughout New York, many police and fire departments are struggling financially and face significant challenges when it comes recruiting and retaining members and keeping equipment up to date and in working order,” Senator Griffo says. “Local governments are often forced to raise taxes to address these issues. This bill will strengthen police and fire departments, enhance public safety in the state, and help to alleviate the burden on taxpayers.”

The Act would allow the funding to be distributed over a three-year period, with $100 million available to departments annually. The yearly funding would be split equally between law enforcement and firefighting agencies, providing each with $50 million each year.

“I have visited almost every fire department in my district, and every single one of them is struggling to make ends meet as well as recruit and retain members,” said Assemblyman Jones. “The same is happening at police departments across New York as well. I am proud to introduce this bill to help our local fire and police departments acquire the resources they need to keep us all safe and answer the call when we are in need.”