1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I’m writing to ask that you support hard-working 9-1-1 professionals in our state by cosponsoring and supporting the 911 SAVES Act. This bill (H.R. 637 in the House and S. 725) was introduced in the the House by Representatives Norma Torres (D-CA 35) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA 1) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in the Senate. This bipartisan bill would direct the Office of Management and Budget to reclassify 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers as "Protective Service Occupations," instead of their current classification, "Office and Administrative Support Occupations." The 9-1-1 dispatchers in our community are the FIRST first responders. On any given day, they may provide emergency medical instructions, reassure people in crisis, and coordinate the dispatch and safe arrival of police, fire, and EMS personnel. However, the U.S. Government classifies 9-1-1 as an "Office and Administrative Support Occupation," alongside office clerks and taxi dispatchers. This is an outdated, misinformed view of the work performed by 9-1-1 professionals, and it must be updated. This small change would cost nothing and would give 9-1-1 professionals the recognition they deserve. It also could lead to better research and action on workforce issues related to 9-1-1. Please let me know you support your local 9-1-1 services by supporting this bill. Thank you.