working to approve, guarantees federal firefighters a continued pay increase until the end of September, in accordance with the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, the bill allocates funds to maintain the temporary salary adjustment for wildland firefighters through fiscal year 2024.
The initial minibus spending bill allocates $4 billion for federal firefighting, representing a 20% reduction. However, over $2 billion is reserved for potential future needs, in addition to carryover funds accessible by the agencies. Despite concerns about a potential "pay cliff," lawmakers have expressed intentions to pursue permanent pay raises for federal firefighters. The bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 5169), sponsored by Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), and the companion legislation sponsored by Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), S. 2272, are examples of the ongoing advocacy for a permanent solution to the firefighter pay disparity.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: RCRC
