Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) recently introduced the “Volunteer Fuel Reimbursement Act”, which would assist volunteer emergency workers with the rising fuel costs. It provides an income tax credit for fuel costs incurred while responding to emergencies. In the past year, New Yorkers have experienced a dramatic increase in the cost of motor fuel and, as a result, this now has an adverse effect on our volunteer emergency services throughout the state.

“Volunteer emergency workers respond to emergencies with their own cars and, as fuel costs rise, they are forced to dig deeper into their own pockets to pay for fuel costs. This income tax credit would provide some relief for the growing financial burden associated with driving to and from an emergency”, said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.

The Volunteer Fuel Reimbursement Act would provide a $5 income tax credit for each “call” volunteers go on in response to an emergency. The income tax credit will be reimbursed up to $500 or 100 calls, annually. The “chief” of each department would be responsible for certifying the amount of calls for each member of the Department.

“Our volunteers are already sacrificing their time and energy for the benefit of the community. Now, as the cost of fuel exceeds $4 a gallon, their service is becoming cost prohibitive. Hopefully, this measure will cover most, if not all, of the increased cost associated with traveling to and from emergency calls,” concluded Assemblyman Zebrowski.