Dear Friend, 

Minnesota is home to over 700 volunteer fire departments, accounting for more than 96% of our firefighting force. These volunteer heroes save taxpayers billions annually and provide important first-responder services.

Unfortunately, recently proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations threaten to impose significant financial and operational burdens on these already struggling departments.

The proposed rule seeks to update the Fire Brigades Standard, which has seen minimal updates since its creation in 1980. The proposed rule would override current safety guidelines, significantly increasing spending and straining volunteer fire departments at a time when staffing levels are critical.

That’s why we led the entire Minnesota Republican Delegation in a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su, urging her to reconsider this misguided rule.

Our volunteer firefighters are essential to the safety of our communities. We will continue to advocate for practical solutions that allow our volunteer fire departments to thrive.

Sincerely,