David Lombardo is reporting at Capitol Confidential Brunswick Democrat and state Senate candidate, Aaron Gladd has proposed an expansion of the state’s Empire Plan to include volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. The plan is designed to boost recruitment efforts and ensure volunteer first responders have access to needed health services. Gladd is running against Halfmoon Republican Daphne Jordan in the open 43rd Senate District, to fill the seat currently held by Kathy Marchione. The district is made up of Columbia County and parts of Rensselaer, Washington and Saratoga counties. “Volunteer first responders put their lives on the line for their fellow New Yorkers, and the least we can do is protect their fundamental right to high quality healthcare,” Gladd said in a statement. The Empire Plan is responsible for insuring state employees and state legislators. Gladd’s plan would allow volunteers, who meet certain criteria to opt in to the program. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.