Bipartisan Efforts to Support 911 Dispatchers Amid Budget Threats

Every day, 911 dispatchers are on the front lines, handling emergencies with composure and skill. Mathew Schoeniger, a fire communications dispatcher, underscores the emotional strain involved, noting that dispatchers are privy to “the worst moments of people’s lives.”

“We are coach, mentor, psychologist, miracle worker, social worker, and we are dedicated public service employees,” Schoeniger explained. “But we cannot be any of those unless we can take care of ourselves.”

Across political lines, there is support for measures like HB453 to provide better support for these professionals.

New York has taken steps by enacting a law that extends PTSD benefits to all public safety professionals, including those who work as 911 operators. This law was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul last December.

At the federal level, bipartisan efforts are evident as Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, partners with California Rep. Norma J. Torres, a Democrat, to advance the 911 Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act (SAVES).

Yet, emergency responders nationwide are confronting a potential crisis from Washington in the form of budget cuts. The AFSCME has launched the Get Organized campaign to counteract these cuts.

“Congress is pursuing damaging budget cuts that would slash federal funding to states, cities and towns, leaving 911 dispatchers with fewer resources and staff to respond to emergencies,” Saunders warned. “If this extremist plan passes, it could mean longer wait times — or worse, unanswered calls from the public — in situations where every second counts.”

In a recent column, Saunders outlines how AFSCME members can oppose these cuts.

“AFSCME members nationwide are getting organized to protect federal funding for public safety and stand in solidarity with our nation’s 911 dispatchers,” Saunders declared. “We're sending a clear message to Congress: We won’t allow you to gut public services to pay for billionaire tax cuts.”