Today, SEIU Local 668 proudly celebrates the signing of Act 66 (formerly HB 453), which recognizes 9-1-1 telecommunicators as first responders and expands their access to critical mental health resources.

As our own Michael Steinmiller, an Allegheny County dispatcher and chair of our 9-1-1 Committee, said, this victory "honors every voice behind the headset, every life we've helped save, and every dispatcher who has ever answered the call."

We're grateful to State Representative Jessica Benham for championing this legislation, to every member of the General Assembly for coming together across party lines to pass it unanimously, and to Governor Josh Shapiro for swiftly signing it into law. Most of all, we're grateful to our members, whose years of tireless advocacy made this victory possible.

Dignity at work means being recognized for your work and having the support you need to do it safely. By recognizing 9-1-1 telecommunicators as emergency responders and including them in critical mental health and wellness protections, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is giving these lifesaving professionals the recognition and support they have long deserved.

ICYMI: Recent coverage

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 22: Pa. Bill to Make 911 Operators First Responders Heads to Gov.
• ABC 27, October 21: State to formally recognize dispatchers as first responders; bill awaits governor’s signature
• Rep. Jessica Benham, October 21: Benham Bill Classifying 911 Dispatchers as First Responders to Become Law