On Thursday, December 26, $24 million in one-time EMS Service Aid will be distributed to EMS providers primarily serving Greater Minnesota communities. This funding is part of a larger $30 million package approved during the 2024 legislative session and championed by Senate Republicans. The package is based on the findings of a bipartisan EMS Task Force, which examined ways to enhance the life-saving services provided by EMS personnel.
Senator Robert Farnsworth, R- Hibbing, released the following statement: Although there is more to be done to support our EMS providers, this funding is an important step ensuring that all Minnesotans maintain reliable access to these vital services. This funding will help keep them in operation so they continue their vital and lifesaving work, but we must prioritize long-term changes this session to support and modernize EMS delivery in our state. Calling 911 shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s a basic government service that every Minnesotan in every part of the state depends on.
In Senate District 7, the following providers will receive a total of $1.699 million:
Aitkin County
- McGregor County Area Ambulance, $170,342.66
Itasca County
- Chisholm Ambulance, Chisholm, $136,085.87
- Cook Area Ambulance Service, Cook, $123,736.13
- Essential Health EMS, Deer River, $184,675.15
- Floodwood Ambulance Service, Floodwood, $96,270.85
- Nashwauk Ambulance Service, Nashwauk, $179,998.65
St. Louis County
- Essentia Health, Buhl, $86,618.00
- Eveleth Ambulance Service, Eveleth, $156,374.78
- Hibbing Ambulance Service, Hibbing, $166,989.56
- Meadowlands Ambulance Service, Meadowlands, $105,072.23
- Virginia Fire Department, Virginia, $194,363.52
- Biwabik Fire Department Ambulance, Biwabik, $68,892.04
A full list provided by the Department of Revenue can be found here.