Gov. Josh Shapiro proposes an additional $30 million for fire and EMS in his budget and a state lawmaker thinks it should be $100 million plus.

“I will tell you that I don’t think it’s enough,” said Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, representing the 84th House district of Lycoming and Sullivan counties.

“I’ve proposed $100 million or more towards fire and EMS services,” he said.

The reality is this when someone calls 911 “they want help to come.”

That is becoming harder and harder as the days pass because volunteer fire companies are struggling, he said.

“They can’t do any more chicken barbecues, bingo, car washes and raffles,” he said. “They are maxed out and they are doing everything they can just to keep the lights on, just to get the doors open.”

Fire trucks today cost about $1.2 million for a normal engine, he said.

“That is insanity,” Hamm added.

Not even ten years ago the same truck was expensive at half that price.

Fire apparatus all cost more, he noted.

“We’ve got to help fund our fire companies,” he said.

He added if that does not happen “we’re going to find that if someone calls 911 they’re going to be waiting a long time for help to show up.”

The $30 million is a good start, Hamm said, cautioning that it is not enough to protect the volunteer fire and EMS services.