Albany – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-C-119), Marcy, announced funding in this year's state budget will be allocated for a new volunteer fire department capital fund. Volunteer fire departments across New York State have struggled financially and in their recruitment of new members. This year's State budget provides some relief for these fire departments to make sure that they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe.

“We rely on our volunteer fire department members to serve selflessly.” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said, “We must support those who have given so much to the community.”

In addition to capital funding in the budget, the budget also provides funding to create a training fund which will pay for any work missed to attend trainings, and a college scholarship for volunteer firefighters. We took a step in the right direction towards adequately supporting our volunteers and making sure their needs in the area of recruitment and retention are met.