Pa. Bills Could Benefit Vol. Companies

RICHLAND, Pa. --

State representatives are supporting legislation that could benefit volunteer fire departments across the region.

Numerous volunteer fire crews statewide are struggling to pay their bills, but there are three bills that could help fix the problem.

The bills include legislation that would allow volunteer fire companies to have Texas hold'em tournaments, small games of chance and other card games that could be used as fundraisers. Also, the bills would allow departments to use the tournament proceeds to pay utility bills or buy more equipment so departments can bring in more firefighters.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, state representatives and local fire department leaders will have a hearing at the Richland Fire hall in Richland Township. Everyone is invited to voice their support for or concerns about the bills.

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