Several Greater Danbury area lawmakers are members of the new fire/EMS Legislative Caucus.  Their inaugural meeting was held last month.  Newtown state Representative Mitch Bolinsky says the caucus was founded to help generate awareness about legislative initiatives that will ultimately help create better policies addressing public safety matters. 

He says bills sometimes get held up in the legislative process because there's a lack of understanding on why they've been proposed. 

Last session, Bolinsky supported a law co-sponsored by New Milford Representative Bill Buckbee requiring an increased standard of maintaining fire apparatus.  The measure is intended to provide first responders the best equipment and resources possible to effectively remedy an emergency situation.  New Milford Senator Craig Miner was among four no votes on the bill.  There were five votes in opposition in the House, including from Easton Representative Adam Dunsby.

Primarily, the discussion on Tuesday focused on financial matters.  Bolinsky says the state's fire training schools for example are not adequately funded.

The next caucus meeting will be held on January 9th.