NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul has vetoed two key measures in a bipartisan legislative package aimed at shoring up emergency medical services in New York, signing only a bill that requires county-level EMS planning as lawmakers and providers warn of widening coverage gaps, particularly in rural areas.
The rejected bills would have allowed local governments to fund EMS outside the state property tax cap and would have exempted ambulances and fire vehicles from New York State Thruway tolls while responding to emergencies, FingerLakes 1 reported. Supporters said both proposals were intended to ease chronic underfunding and escalating operating costs that have strained EMS agencies statewide.
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In her veto message, Hochul rejected the tax cap exemption — sponsored by Sen. Rachel May and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo — citing concerns it could lead to higher property taxes for homeowners and businesses. She said the cap has helped curb local tax growth and deliver savings to taxpayers.
The governor also vetoed the toll exemption bill, which would have directed the Thruway Authority to issue permits allowing ambulances and fire vehicles to travel toll-free during emergency responses. While EMS leaders argue toll costs further squeeze already limited budgets — especially for rural agencies facing long transports — Hochul did not provide a detailed public explanation specific to the toll proposal.
Hochul did sign a third bill in the "#RescueEMS” package, requiring counties to work with municipalities and regional EMS councils to develop comprehensive EMS plans that assess service levels, identify gaps, and outline how care will be organized and funded.
Lawmakers and EMS leaders warn that without new funding options, many rural municipalities could see longer response times, reduced coverage, or even lose ambulance service, as volunteer-dependent agencies face long distances and high transport costs under the tax cap.
If you could tell state leaders one thing about EMS funding realities, what would it be?
