Recently, Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C,I-East Aurora) supported Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie) and several of his peers in the Assembly Minority Conference as they introduced legislation this afternoon that would give a full state income tax exemption to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel (A.7655).

Being 100% reliant on volunteers, many institutions are forced to shut their doors and be folded into other companies, such as the recent ambulance service closing in Fulton County. The legislation addresses this by incentivizing volunteers with exemption status from state income tax, which would increase recruitment rates and retention rates of volunteers. This action, instead of establishing fully-paid services, would save the state over $3.8 billion annually.

“This legislation is a wonderful way to give back to those who sacrifice so much for us on a daily basis,” DiPietro said. “The tax exemption will serve as a much deserved thank you and assist these firehouses and ambulance services keep their doors open. They deserve so much and this is a great step in the right direction.”

To be eligible, a volunteer must be in good standing with their respective organizations, have completed a minimum of one year of service, have fully completed all state mandated training courses, be certified by the chief emergency service coordinator of their county and have attended at least 55% of annual calls.