State Senator George Borrello says the newly signed law quadrupling income tax credits for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York is "long overdue." Borrello was a co-sponsor of the legislation that raises the credit from $200 to $800 for individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for eligible married couples. He noted that the credit hasn't changed since it was established 20 years ago, even as the demands and costs associated with volunteer service have continued rising.
Borrello says, "Volunteer fire departments and ambulance services are especially important in rural communities like ours. They also provide tremendous savings to taxpayers. According to a study by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), volunteer firefighting saves New Yorkers $4.7 billion a year. That's an extraordinary contribution, both to public safety and to taxpayers. This larger tax credit is a well-deserved acknowledgment of their service and will also help departments address the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers. I'll continue pushing for additional benefits that recognize the time, commitment and personal sacrifices these volunteers make in serving their communities."
Borrello thanked Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Karen McMahon for sponsoring the bill and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it.
