WHITESBORO, N.Y. — U.S. Rep Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) introduced a bill in the House that would give volunteer firefighters and emergency responders a $1,000 federal income tax credit. He announced the bill during a visit to the Whitesboror Fire Department.
UticaOD reported that the Supporting Emergency Volunteer Efforts Act of 2013 would create an income tax credit for members of volunteer fire departments and EMS organizations to help reimburse out-of-pocket expenses such as fuel for personal vehicle use, training clothing and other equipment.
“This small but meaningful benefit would go a long way toward both encouraging new volunteers to join the ranks of local departments and also thanking those who already choose to give themselves in service to their communities,” Hanna said.
Whitesboro Fire Chief Peter Sobel said that while his 65-member department has maintained steady numbers the past few years, the proposed tax credit should help matters even more, according to the report.
“I think it’s a nice recruitment tool that helps make things more attractive,” Sobel said.