Feingold Works to Streamline Support for Emergency Services Senator Outlines EMS Legislation During Local Listening Sessions August 30, 2002 Gilmanton, WI - U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today discussed his legislation aimed at improving federal support for local emergency medical services (EMS). This legislation will streamline and enhance federal support of community based EMS. Much of Feingold’s EMS legislation was included in the Bioterrorism Preparedness Act, which last week was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and awaits the signature of the President. "The inclusion of a portion of the EMS Support Act in the bioterrorism law is testament to the important role that our first responders play in the fight against terrorism," Feingold said. "I am proud to have worked with Wisconsinites, including our fire chiefs and members of our State EMS Advisory Board, to draft this legislation that will help ensure that the federal government listens to their concerns." Last year, in a report request by Feingold, the General Accounting Office cited the need to increase coordination among agencies as they address the needs of local emergency medical service providers. According to GAO, these needs, including, training, equipment, and more emergency personnel in the field, tend to vary between urban and rural communities. Five federal agencies currently provide technical assistance and funding to state and local EMS systems, but their efforts often lack effective coordination. "Once passed and signed by the President, my EMS legislation will accomplish two things: federal support for EMS will be better coordinated and local input will be used and directed to the federal agencies that support EMS," Feingold said. Feingold held his 61st Listening Session of 2002, and his 709th since he was first elected at Gilmanton High School, starting at 2:00 p.m. He held his 62nd Listening Session of 2002, and his 710th since he was first elected at the Pepin Village Hall, starting at 4:30 p.m. This is Feingold’s tenth year of holding Listening Sessions in every county.

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