Potential tax relief for volunteer first responders in NY is one step away from becoming law

The legislation was crafted by state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski.

Diane Caruso

Oct 11, 2022, 9:32 PM

Updated 722 days ago

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A proposed state law would give municipalities throughout New York state the option of providing volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps members a property tax deduction of up to 10% for those who have served at least two years. 
The legislation was crafted by state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and Assembly Member Ken Zebrowski.
It needs Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature to become law, and News 12 is told she's reviewing the legislation. 
Volunteer first responders in Rockland told News 12 they believe this will help with recruiting members. 
"If this tax credit helps them maybe forgo a part-time job and come volunteer for us and still be able to afford their bills, then I think it's a great thing," said Zachary Ringer, Captain of Nanuet Ambulance Corps.
Vinny Pacella, a member of the Nanuet Fire Department for 45 years, said, "We need to do something for our volunteers because we're just chasing them away with all these taxes." 
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann both said they'd work to pass this into law locally once it's signed by the governor.