NY considers tax break for volunteer firefighters, EMS responders

Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, gathered with first responders, representatives from FASNY (Firefighters Association of the State of New York), and
local elected officials, in support of legislation to allow any local government to provide a tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members. The bill, which passed both houses unanimously, would allow all New York local governments to adopt a local law to exempt up to 10% of the assessed value for volunteers who have been members of a volunteer fi re department or ambulance service for at least two years.

“Volunteer first responders have served Rockland for more than a century and a half, and we are going to do absolutely everything we can to support them. This bill passed unanimously in the Senate and the Assembly, and I fully expect the Governor will be signing this in the very near future so that local governments can put this tax exemption into effect in their communities. This will be a big win that we will all celebrate,” said Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick.

“Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members are a crucial part of our community, and it is important that they are supported. This legislation would not only show our appreciation for the hard work that they do but also encourage more members to join, ensuring that our local emergency services are strong.

I’m proud to have passed this bill alongside my colleague Senator Reichlin-Melnick and look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.
“FASNY and our state’s volunteer firefighters would like to thank Senator Reichlin-Melnick and Assemblyman Zebrowski for continuing to support our dedicated volunteers through their advocacy and legislative stewardship on behalf of the volunteer fire service,” said Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) President Edward Tase.

“This legislation will facilitate the opportunity for all eligible New York State volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS providers to work with their local governments to pursue real prop erty tax relief for the men and women who have committed to answering their neighbors’ calls for help in an emergency,” said FASNY Board of Directors member and Legislative Commit-
tee liaison Michael Krummenacker. “We believe the enactment of this legislation will add another tool for our members to use
when recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters and EMS providers.”