Today the BCC Chamber came out strong against the bill:
STATEMENT OF
THE GREATER BETHESDA-CHEVY CHASE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
REGARDING THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TRANSPORT FEE
IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
MAY 14, 2012
In 2010, when the County Executive recommended the implementation of the emergency medical services (EMS) transport fee as a revenue-raising measure for Montgomery County, which was supported and approved by the County Council, The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber opposed this measure. Based on the results of the subsequent referendum in which the voters of the County overturned approval of the EMS transport fee, our Chamber defers to the voting process that was already held. The voters have spoken on this issue and we find it undemocratic that we should be revisiting it so quickly, particularly as a means to support a 5.5% increase in County spending.
Open Letter to the Montgomery County Council
Respect the Voters
on Ambulance Fees
Dear Council Members:
Less than 18 months ago, voters rejected ambulance fees in
Montgomery County. The message was loud and clear. Voters rejected
ambulance fees by a wide margin (more than 20,000 votes) and in
every council district. County Executive Isiah Leggett is now asking the
Council to ignore the will of the people and establish ambulance fees of
$300 to $800 or more. We respectfully ask the Council to respect the
voters – and reject ambulance fees.
Voters – and the Council – have strong reasons for doing so.
First, there is ample evidence that such fees discourage calls to 911
when help is needed most. That's what happened in Fairfax County
after ambulance fees were imposed. And peer-reviewed research
studies confirm that increasing pre-hospital costs and fees limits access
to emergency medical treatment.
Second, there is no such thing as a free lunch. During the 2010
debate, insurance companies confirmed that they would raise premiums
to account for increased costs. Such increases would fall most heavily
on small businesses and the self-insured.
Third, ambulance fees aren't needed to address the County's
budget. The County Executive has proposed a spending increase of
$199 million for FY13, an increase of about 5 percent. This shows
county revenues are in better shape now than when voters repealed
ambulance fees.
Voters had plenty of access to information before they voted on
ambulance fees (much of which is still available at
www.stopambulancefee.org ). The referendum was well-covered in the
media and voters received mailings from both sides. If the County
Council overrides the 2010 referendum, it would take years to restore
voters' trust in county government.
Thank you,
Marcine and Eric
Marcine D. Goodloe
President
Eric N. Bernard
Executive Director
Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association
230 N. Washington St.
Rockville, MD 20850
301-424-1297 - office
240-876-4235 - cell Marcine
301-455-6648 - cell Eric
Source: Montgomery Gazette, 4/25/12, Chris Curtis
MCVFRA Calls Budget Proposals
Cynical and Retaliatory,
Vows to Work with Council on
More Responsible Approach
October 6, 2010 --- Rockville, Maryland —The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association strongly opposes the budget reductions proposed yesterday by County Executive Isiah Leggett. According to MCVFRA President Marcine Goodloe:
The County Executive’s proposed budget reductions are a cynical and transparent attempt to scare voters in advance of the November 2 election. Instead of working thoughtfully with the County Council and stakeholders, Mr. Leggett has proposed cuts in front-line services and employees without serious consideration of proposals that would reduce or defer less important activities such as reductions in staff travel, conference participation, administrative expenses, and reductions in outside contractor expenses.
We believe the loss of projected ambulance fees can be addressed without lay-offs or furloughs of front-line fire/rescue personnel. We reject the Executive’s attempt to make this a career vs. volunteer issue and stand ready to work with the Council, International Association of Firefighters Local 1664 and others on a more thoughtful and responsible approach.
We also believe some of the cuts directed at the local fire/rescue departments, including potential legal action by the County Attorney, are in direct retaliation for our efforts to give voters a say on ambulance fees in November. We are disappointed but not surprised that the Executive would pursue such divisive tactics, but we remain steadfast in our opposition to ambulance fees and our willingness to work constructively with the Council and others on a more responsible approach than that proposed by the County Executive.