SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate Local Government Committee unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grant funding.
Many nonprofit fire departments in central and southern Illinois are currently unable to receive grant funding for equipment and building upgrades since the state only provides grants to municipal fire departments.Â
However, Senate Bill 2645 would allow the Illinois State Fire Marshal to create and award grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across the state.
"My expenses are the same as everybody else," said Signal Hill Fire Chief Tom Elliff. "I still have to pay the electric bill. I still have to pay Renew Apparatus. I pay for the maintenance of the building. It's the same throughout every other fire department in the state of Illinois."
The legislation now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Senators could vote on the plan when they return to Springfield Feb. 17.
"This is just about consistency and allowing nonprofit associations to apply for these grants," said Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). "It comes down to public safety for these volunteer associations and districts."
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