Proposed firefighter overtime legislation off table

PROVIDENCE – The sponsor behind legislation that would change the firefighter overtime law said he is not seeking a vote at this time, and instead will seek funding to conduct a review of staffing and overtime to see if the state could benefit from a defined workweek for public safety personnel.
“I submitted this legislation because of concerns I have about public safety and fairness,” state Sen. Frank S. Lombardi, D-Cranston, said in a statement. “Since that time I have heard from many constituents who have concerns about the bill. My concerns are always with my constituents first. In light of the sentiments they have expressed to me, I believe we should proceed with caution, and only after a truly independent analysis.”

Municipal and state leaders criticized the proposed legislation, saying it would cost cities and towns millions of dollars in overtime expenses. Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns President T. Joseph Almond, also Lincoln’s town administrator, had said it also would have caused property taxes to rise.

Lombardi, in a news release, said both sides of the debate presented “polar opposite views” about the legislation’s potential financial impact.
“Public safety personnel say it is a necessary safeguard with little or no financial impact. Mayors and administrators say there could be significant impact. Therefore, I believe it is prudent to conduct a thorough and completely independent examination of this issue before moving forward with this legislation,” Lombardi said.

Committee votes scheduled for Thursday about the issue were canceled.

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Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee, who also came out against the proposed legislation, said he was pleased that a vote is not being sought at this time.
“The voice of municipal leaders throughout Rhode Island has been heard,” McKee, the former mayor of Cumberland, said in prepared remarks. “I welcome a full and thoughtful study of this complex issue, as recommended by the Senator.”

“On behalf of municipal leaders and the taxpayers of our state, I look forward to working with the General Assembly on ways we can help our cities and towns operate more efficiently. I commit to working with the House and Senate leadership to make decisions that are in the best interests of everyone as we do the hard work of rebuilding Rhode Island’s economy,” McKee said. “Meanwhile, we are mindful and appreciative of the hard work of our firefighters and the dedication they demonstrate every day.”
Lombardi’s proposed legislation changed the overtime exemption for firefighters and required that communities pay them time-and-a-half for working more than 42 hours in an average work week.

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