Whereas, the State relies on the regional emergency medical services councils for the delivery of education, training and quality assurance programs; and

Whereas, there exists a significant funding gap between inflation-adjusted funding and actual funding over the last decade; and

Whereas, the State needs an adequately funded and designed emergency medical services system to protect the health, safety and public welfare; and

Whereas, the health, safety and public welfare of the citizens of the State may be in serious jeopardy without additional resource allocations and appropriations to designated regional councils; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02

PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF

Bureau of Emergency Medical Services

All Other $356,412

Provides funds to designated regional emergency medical services councils in the sum of $59,357 per region.

Sec. 2. Allocation. The following funds are allocated from Other Special Revenue funds for fiscal year 2001-02 to carry out the purposes of this Act. Any unexpended balance may not lapse