Sen. Griffo and Assemblyman Jones introducing ‘Public Safety Investment Act’

As Gov. Kathy Hochul prepares to assemble her priorities and proposed budget for the upcoming year, New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-C-Rome, and Assemblyman Billy Jones, D-Chateaugay Lake, are asking the governor to consider legislation they are introducing that will help area fire and police departments.

Called the “Public Safety Investment Act,” Sen. Griffo and Assemblyman Jones’s bill would provide police and fire departments with access to $300 million in grant funding to help with recruitment and retention efforts and purchasing equipment.

The funding would be available over a three-year period. Police and fire departments would be eligible to apply for $100 million each year. That amount would be split equally ($50 million) between law enforcement and firefighting agencies.

“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,” Sen. Griffo said. “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.”

“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.”