Michigan’s volunteer firefighters’ compensation has been protected thanks to a new bill signed into law by Gov. Snyder.
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Al Pscholka, R-Stevensville, prevents the meager compensation that volunteer firefighters in Michigan receive from counting as income and subsequently threatening their unemployment benefits.
At the present time, unemployed firefighters receive reduced benefits, which many believe discourages them from volunteering in the fire departments. Officials say the bill will not only benefit the volunteers, but the local communities that rely on the services they provide by removing any disincentive to serve.
The Michigan House of Representations passed the bill with a unanimous vote of 109-0.
