IAEP National Director Phil Petit expressed support for a bill that would create uniform statutory definitions of "first responder" and "essential worker" to the Connecticut Public Safety and Security Committee this week, sending a letter to the committee as well as testifying before them.
The legislation, Connecticut House Bill 7053, specifically aims to establish a working group that would set the definitions of these terms. HB 7053's current language calls for the group to consist of the Commissioners of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Labor and Public Health (or their appointed designees), the Secretary of OPM, and "[s]uch other persons that the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public safety and security."
EMS providers-- specifically active leaders from IAEP's Connecticut in-state Locals-- would best serve as two of the members of the working group, argued Petit. He emphasized this point as he testified before the Public Safety and Security Committee in a public hearing on the bill.
"The IAEP urges this Committee to consider provider-level perspectives when establishing the work group’s make-up," said Petit in his committee testimony. "IAEP members and providers from all around the state deserve input in this critical conversation, and their outlook will be crucial to making this working group a success. More than this, I believe that their inclusion will be invaluable to keeping this state healthy, protected, and safe."
You can read the IAEP's full letter of support below.
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