STATEHOUSE – House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1325, which addresses mobile disaster relief funding, was signed into law today by Governor Pence. State Representative Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) authored the measure. Henryville was devastated by a tornado in March 2012. With their fellow Hoosiers in need, firefighters from across the state responded to the scene. There was not a state funding mechanism at that time to pay for the overtime these first responders were putting in. Consequentially, local departments had to absorb the cost of paying these firefighters for their overtime work. Local departments also had to absorb the cost of paying back-up firefighters to replace those who responded to Henryville. “As a retired firefighter, I understand the financial burdens that local fire departments face,” said Rep. Frye. “When disaster strikes, even in distant communities, firefighters are more than willing to respond and help their neighbors in need. HEA 1325 allows the State Disaster Relief Fund to be used to pay first responders. The legislation also provides funds for local departments to bring in backup firefighters to replace those who responded to a disaster. “The cost of sending firefighters to provide relief shouldn’t outweigh the desire for these individuals to help in the recovery efforts,” said Rep. Frye. “Since those costs will now be covered by the State Disaster Relief Fund, local departments can now respond when necessary to crises without hesitation.” Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents Ohio and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Ripley, Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties
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