(Indianapolis, IN) - A bill supporting firefighters submitted by a local lawmaker is getting traction in the Indiana Legislature.  House Bill 1048 was unanimously passed Thursday by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety.  The bill increases the yearly minimum allowance volunteer fire department members each receive to spend on clothing and automobiles from $100 to $250.  The measure was authored by State Representative Randy Novak, a democrat, who once served as fire chief in Michigan City.

"I am pleased to see such bipartisan support for our first responders. Over 70 percent of fire departments in Indiana are volunteer departments, and it is crucial we make sure they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe,” he said.  Novak said he looks forward to bringing the bill up for a vote before the full House.