Do Not Cut EMS Funding!

Dear [Lawmaker],

I am writing to urge you not to cut funding for Austin’s Emergency Medical Services in the post-election defeat of Proposition Q. The voters’ rejection of this measure should not be a mandate to reduce essential public safety services. Our city’s continued growth and increasing demands on first responders make it more important than ever to maintain essential EMS resources.

Austin’s paramedics and EMTs provide lifesaving care every day, often under pressure and with limited resources. Rapid response times and high professional standards are critical to the safety and well-being of every resident, visitor, and business in our community. Any reduction in funding risks longer response times, reduced staffing, diminished coverage, and decreased moral across our city – especially in fast growing or historically underserved areas.

Instead of scaling back, the City should prioritize investments that improve recruitment, retention, and operational capacity. Protecting the integrity of ATCEMS means protecting the lives of all Austinites.

I ask that you commit to fully funding ATCEMS rather than supporting the City Manager’s new budget proposal to cut funding by $6.2M. Austin cannot afford to compromise public health and safety when it comes to emergency medical response.

Thank you for your support of ATCEMS services to our city.

Sincerely,
______

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