• Change rules within the Iowa Cares Program to allow payment for ambulance service.
  A loophole within the current Iowa Cares Program does not permit ambulances to submit a claim for payment if the patient is covered by the State Funded program.
• Provide a system to reward volunteerism in public safety. This should take the form of an Iowa income tax credit.
  The 2007 General Assembly sought to create a tax credit for active EMS volunteers. Though it was reported out of Ways and Means, it did not get debated on the House Floor. The fact is that people are less willing to volunteer their services for public safety than in years past, and it is critical that we reward those who do. We believe that we can’t afford not to do this.
• Allow EMS service directors to sign off on eligibility for EMS license plates.
  Currently the process is difficult and involves contact with several agencies. A simpler process should be employed. Applicants for EMS provider plates should be able to bring an application signed by their service director to the county treasurer who could then issue the plates.
• Require that counties shall make provision for, by whatever means necessary, emergency medical services treatment and transport for all within the county.
  Iowa law requires that cities, towns and townships provide police and fire protection. By contrast, EMS may be allowed but not required. EMS is as important to public safety as police and fire protection. It is time for the Code of Iowa to say so. And it is time for townships that do not provide for EMS to step up and care for their citizens.

We believe that job number one for every elected official is to keep Iowans safe and healthy in their homes, at work, at leisure and in transit. This includes fully funded, well-trained, and dedicated Emergency Medical Services throughout the state.

Good government assures the safety and well-being of the citizens first and foremost, and then moves on to the other important tasks of government like education and transportation.