CAPITAL REGION, NY — In a decisive step to strengthen the state’s volunteer first‑responder corps, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill that quadruples the personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance workers. The credit, which has not changed in nearly two decades, now rises from $200 to $800 per eligible volunteer.

Why the increase matters for families and communities

John D’Alessandro, secretary of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY), emphasized that the expanded credit applies to every active volunteer. “It’s something that every department can tap into when they go out to their community and hopefully attract new people to come and serve,” he said. D’Alessandro noted that economic demands are the most common reason people hesitate to volunteer, and the added credit offers concrete financial relief for both current and prospective volunteers.

Assemblymember Phil Steck, a co‑sponsor of the legislation, echoed the sentiment, stating that the credit will help ease the financial burdens faced by volunteers and could reduce costs for the broader public. “The more we can provide economic relief to volunteers, the more we keep taxes down for the public at large,” Steck explained.

Impact on recruitment and retention

Volunteer fire departments and ambulance services have struggled with dwindling ranks for years, a trend that threatens response times and community safety. By increasing the tax credit, the state hopes to make volunteering a more attractive option for citizens who might otherwise be deterred by the need to balance work, family, and financial obligations.

The credit will be available to eligible New Yorkers beginning with the 2028 tax filing season, after the law takes effect for the 2027 tax year. This timing gives departments a clear horizon for planning recruitment drives and outreach efforts.

Future legislative priorities

FASNY indicated that additional proposals are in the works, including potential childcare credits and student loan forgiveness measures aimed at further supporting volunteers and their families. These initiatives reflect a broader strategy to sustain the essential services that volunteer first responders provide to communities across the Empire State.

While the bill was signed by a Democratic governor, the bipartisan support it garnered underscores a shared commitment to public safety and the well‑being of families who answer the call to serve. The legislation aligns with the principle that strong, faith‑centered families and local communities thrive when government policies remove unnecessary financial barriers.

For volunteers and the residents they protect, the new credit represents a tangible acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by those who put their lives on the line for neighbors and strangers alike.

Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.