Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) released the following statement responding to Gov. Walz only including $16 million for Emergency Medical Services in his supplemental budget:

“This summer we heard how rural communities are struggling to find and provide the care they need for emergencies. This is not a luxury, in many cases it’s life or death. Suggesting $16 million in enough to triage the situation is offensive. The cost of an ambulance is about $400,000, and if distributed equally, $16 million is about $40,000 per primary service area.

“With $3.5 billion left on the bottom line, I’m stunned to learn the Governor wants to pinch pennies before funding emergency medical services for greater Minnesota. This is a laughable amount and no one should be proud of this proposal.”

Lang served on the EMS taskforce that met to learn more about the issues and make recommendations.