ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS SAVE LIVES EVERYDAY.  

BUT LAWMAKERS WORRY A LACK OF RESOURCES AND SUPPORT IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF THEIR JOBS. 
 
A PACKAGE OF BILLS IN ALBANY INTEND TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL AND SYSTEMATIC CHALLENGES FACING EMS WORKERS. 
 
“For far too long our ambulance workers have not been accorded the level of investment and attention that they deserve for the lifesaving services that they provide,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35th Senate District).
 
ONE bill WITHIN THE PACKAGE, NICKNAMED “TIP AND TAD” WOULD EXPAND MEDICAID REIMBURSMENT FOR EMS WORKERS.
 
“Right now, EMS providers do not get paid for the work that they do if they treat someone on site. They do not get reimbursed for that work. They also do not get reimbursed if they transport someone to any other place other than a hospital,” said Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D-41st Senate District).
 
SEN. HINCHEY SAid THIS BILL WOULD BE A GAME CHANGER FOR EMS WORKERS. 
 
ANotHER bill WITHIN THE PACKAGE INTENDS TO INCREASE THE TAX CREDIT AMOUNT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND AMBULANCE WORKERS FROM $200 TO $800 FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS AND $400 TO $1600 DOLLARS FOR ELIGIBLE MARRIED joint FILERS.  
 
SOME OF THESE BILLS PASSED THE SENATE EARLIER THIS WEEK AND NOW GO TO THE ASSEMBLY AND OTHERS STILL HAVE TO PASS BOTH HOUSES.  
 
LAWMAKERS HAVE ONE WEEK LEFT TO GET THESE BILLS OVER THE FINISH LINE.