Rabbitt: Emergency Personnel Score Victory In State Budget

Assemblywoman highlights volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker tax credit

April 11, 2006

Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt (R,C-Greenwood Lake) today announced the 2006-2007 legislative state budget includes a tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

“This allocation in the state budget is an essential step in the right direction,” said Assemblywoman Rabbitt. “However, I know more must be done to ensure that firefighters and emergency medical personnel are recruited, trained and respected around the state.”

Assemblywoman Rabbitt said the emergency services personnel provision allows a husband and wife who file jointly, and are both volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers to receive a $400 tax credit - double the amount allowed a single taxpayer who qualifies for this credit. This only applies to volunteer emergency workers who are on active duty year-round.

“As the wife of a police officer, I know that emergency personnel are vital to the survival of our community,” said Assemblywoman Rabbitt. “Many communities, especially rural ones, rely on volunteers to protect our homes and keep our families safe. That is why I will continue the fight so our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive the benefits and incentives they truly deserve.”

The budget bill stipulates taxpayers are ineligible for this credit if they receive real property tax exemptions as a result of their service as volunteer firefighters or volunteer ambulance workers. The budget, passed by the state Legislature, is now in the hands of the governor for his signature into law or his veto.

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