TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senators Bernard F. Kenny Jr. and Joseph V. Doria Jr., both D-Hudson, to financially support the New Jersey Medevac Helicopter Program and to train new State troopers, received final legislative approval today in the Senate by a vote of 35 to 5.
“The Medevac helicopter program provides a necessary service, and helps save the lives of New Jersey motorists by getting them to the hospitals fast,” said Senator Kenny, Senate Majority Leader. “The State’s Medevac program has been supported by a $1 vehicle registration fee since 1992. Unfortunately, more funding is needed to cover these services and also expand the program to include training for State troopers.”
Senator Kenny noted that there has been no money to either replace or retrofit the State’s four Medevac helicopters that are, on average, 15 years old.
The bill, S-2934, would increase the current $1 registration fee for the New Jersey Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Response Program Fund to $3 per registration, and would establish an additional fee of $1 dedicated to funding new State Police trooper classes. The bill would increase total registration fee surcharges from $1 to $4.
“Every day, State troopers patrol our roads and safeguard the residents of New Jersey,” said Senator Doria, D-Hudson. “This bill will sufficiently fund the training of 200 new troopers each year. It is important to continue to finance programs that will enhance the training of our State Police and provide us with greater protection.”
The bill now heads to the Governor’s office for enactment.