Senator Mark Walczyk expressed disappointment over the exclusion of a provision that would have designated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an essential service from the final New York State budget. This decision comes despite bipartisan support and raises concerns about the impact on community health and safety.
“It is simply outrageous that we have failed to recognize EMTs as essential service providers,” said Senator Walczyk. “When I inquired about the removal of this vital provision, all I received was blanket statements, accompanied by silence. This is what happens when a handful of lawmakers control the narrative, and it reflects a troubling trend in Albany where the needs of our first responders are sidelined.”
The executive budget initially proposed to classify EMS as an essential service with a $5.2 million allocation for implementation. This was based on Senate Bill S7501, co-sponsored by Walczyk, which passed unanimously last year. The omission has left first responders without anticipated support amid ongoing challenges.
“Counties play an increasingly vital role in providing emergency services across New York State. Their contributions were completely overlooked in this budget, highlighting just how out of touch some lawmakers are with the realities on the ground,” Walczyk emphasized. “Without the necessary funding and support for EMS, we risk undermining the very foundation of our emergency response systems, which are crucial in times of crisis.”
Data indicates urgency: 37% of EMS workers plan to leave within five years, and New York saw a 17.5% decline in certified EMS practitioners from 2019 to 2022—from 40,046 to 33,022—posing risks to emergency care accessibility.
“When people call 911, they expect a quick response,” Walczyk stated. “It’s unacceptable that the language was removed and people will die—and I’m not trying to be hyperbolic, but people will die. Every day, our EMS personnel put on their uniforms to save lives, yet we fail to provide them with the support they deserve. We had a crucial opportunity to elevate EMS to essential service status, which would have empowered municipalities to enhance training, better coordinate services, and direct critical funding toward these vital roles. New York State should have joined the 13 other states that recognize EMS’s importance and provided them with the funding and support necessary to operate effectively.”
