Save New Jersey EMS
Veto bill A-2095

New Jersey's Emergency Medical Services system is under attack!

A coalition of private ambulance companies, bureaucrats and labor leaders is attempting to put your local volunteer ambulance squad out of business. They have convinced politicians to pass a bill A-2095 which will redesign the Emergency Medical Services system in new Jersey.

The bill was advertised as an improvement to availability of ambulances and the patient care provided by ambulance crews. However, we believe that the bill is a veiled attempt to drive volunteer EMS providers out in favor of expensive paid providers. Two of the bills biggest supporters are the CEO of New Jersey's largest private ambulance company and a career union executive. The motivation for the supporters of this bill are obvious; more public contracts for private ambulance companies and an opportunity for organized labor to acquire more dues paying members. State Senator Steve Sweeney, a sponsor of the bill has been heard referring to it as a "jobs bill".

Nearly 80% of New Jersey communities are served by a volunteer first aid or ambulance squad. Most provide their services at no cost to the patient and at little or no cost to the local taxpayer. Volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians take the same training and must pass the same certification exam as their paid counterparts. They have been serving New Jersey communities very well for more than 80 years.

Why this Legislation is Flawed

Fewer Ambulances

Whether commercial or government entities, paid providers are under pressure to turn a profit or at least break even. This results in ambulance staffing to only minimally meet the need that is expected on a typical day. Under such a model, there would not be enough ambulances to respond to major incidents. Most public safety professionals agree that responses to recent disaster situations such as Hurricane Irene and the south Jersey wildfire simply would not have been possible without New Jerseys corps of volunteer EMS agencies.

Higher Property Taxes

In many communities, EMS would not turn a profit because too many residents have little or no insurance or simply refuse to pay. Private ambulance firms often require a retainer from municipalities they serve in addition to the bill they send the patient. New Jersey's only county based EMS agency in Gloucester County has run deficits of over $4 million in it's first 2 years. The taxpayer is left to make up the difference.

What We Can Do

This bill narrowly passed by the State Senate with just 21 votes. Governor Christie has not signed it. We need to encourage him to veto this bill. See our Take Action page to send the Governor an email message and sign an online petition. Do it now - there is still time to make our case to the Governor, but we need your support.