New York Lawmakers Urge Governor Hochul to Expand Volunteer First Responder Tax Credits
Volunteer firefighters and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would significantly expand tax credits for volunteer first responders. The proposed legislation, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature with overwhelming support in May and June, aims to increase the income tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Currently, the credit stands at $200 for individuals and $400 for eligible married joint filers. If signed into law, these amounts would rise to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for joint filers. Additionally, the bill would eliminate a rule that forces volunteer first responders to choose between state and local tax credits, allowing them to accept both. Supporters argue that the expansion is crucial for supporting volunteers amidst rising living costs and for maintaining adequate staffing levels in volunteer departments, thereby preventing municipalities from needing to raise taxes for professi...
