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KAPA reception a great success By
CHARLES O'NEAL FRANKFORT — A legislative reception, sponsored by the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association, was held at the Holiday Inn Capital Plaza in Frankfort on Thursday evening February 14. The event was termed a "huge success" according to James Ritchey, KAPA Legislative Chairman. "The intent of the reception was to show our appreciation to legislators for the support that they have shown EMS during the legislative session", stated Mike Swift, KAPA President and KBEMS Board Member. Earlier in the day, House Bill 469 had passed out of the Local Government Committee without a dissenting vote, and went on to the House floor for action in the coming week. Work on House Bill 469 has been headed up by the Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association but has been supported by the Board and staff of the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services and the Kentucky Firefighters Association as well as other medical groups including the KHA, KMA, and KBN. "It is critically important that we keep legislators informed of our needs and the overall impact that EMS has on the citizens of the Commonwealth if we have any hope of seeing our ongoing needs addressed," stated Ritchey. KBEMS has seen multiple cuts in their budget during the present budget year, along with other state agencies. The cuts have been made by the state to balance the budget in the midst of a serious revenue shortfall. KBEMS budget request for the next biennium was not fully funded and Matching Ambulance Grant Funds (Senate Bill 66) were cut as well. Over 300 persons attended the gala during the evening. Approximately half of legislative members attended the session and were greeted by administrators, street level EMS personnel, and educators from across the Commonwealth. KAPA plans are for the receptions to continue in future years.
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