Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across New York are one step closer to receiving a higher tax credit as the state Assembly passed a bill this week.
It would be the first increase to the personal income tax credit since the program was created in 2006, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) says. If the bill clears final hurdles, eligible individuals would receive $800, up from $200, and eligible married joint filers would see $1,600, instead of the previous $400.
Through this bill sponsored by Assemblymember Karen McMahon, a Buffalo-area Democrat, those eligible would also be able to receive both the tax credit and the existing partial real property tax exemption instead of having to choose between the two. Lawmakers previously declined to progress a similar bill.
Over 90% of fire stations across New York rely on volunteer firefighters, according to fire officials. However, nearly half a dozen volunteer-based firehouses across the state closed their doors in 2025 due to a lack of staffing, and response times are increasing statewide as the ranks of volunteer firefighters have fallen to the lowest level in 40 years.
“This bill is critical for strengthening volunteer firefighter retention and recruitment and ensuring they have the support they need as they serve our communities throughout the state,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said in a statement after the legislation’s passage on Thursday, May 14.
How the increased tax credit will help volunteer firefighters
While the expansion of a state program last month will help add to and sustain the state’s volunteer firefighter workforce, firefighter organizations in New York have been pushing for both an increased tax credit and nominal compensation to help improve both response times and firefighter safety.
“This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State,” FASNY First Vice President Donald J. Farrell said in a statement.
“Quadrupling the volunteer firefighter and EMS tax credit from $200 to $800 sends a powerful message that New York recognizes the critical role volunteers play in protecting communities every day,” Farrell continued.
“Combined with allowing volunteers to receive both the state income tax credit and local property tax exemptions, this legislation delivers meaningful, long-overdue support for the tens of thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their time, leave their families, and answer emergency calls at all hours,” the fire official added.
FASNY also said volunteer firefighters save New York taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion annually in salaries and benefits. Replacement of the volunteer system with a fully career workforce could cost as much as $4.7 billion annually, they added.
Passed over Republican-led tax credit bill causes uproar
Assemblymember Joe Angelino, R-Binghamton, previously introduced legislation that would provide tax credits to volunteer firefighters equal to the cost of the issuance of fishing and hunting licenses and allow volunteer firefighters in good standing to collect a state income tax credit of up to $2,500.
Last month, Angelino requested to bring his bill to the floor for a vote, which he says had been stagnant, and the Assembly majority declined. From the Assembly floor on April 22, the former fire chief and current volunteer firefighter for the Norwich Fire Department said a third of volunteer fire departments in his district “probably won’t make it to the end of the year.”
“I think by them choosing that, it backfired on them,” Angelino said. “There was a terrible firestorm of internet criticism, and some of it got ugly and got personal. And I think that’s when the majority party members, particularly those from upstate, realized that their vote no was actually going to haunt them.”
Other Assembly Republicans also drew attention to the timing of the Democrat-led bill as well as its lower amount. Assemblymember Jarett Gandolo, a Suffolk County Republican, said “it’s better than nothing, but we can do better” on the Assembly floor on Thursday. He also questioned why the state couldn’t “just scrounge up the extra money” to pass the Republican-led legislation.
“Thank God to our side of the aisle for pushing this so much that you folks decided to bring it to the floor,” Assemblymember Chris Tague, R-Schoharie, added.
And despite the frustration, all three voted to pass the legislation.
What happens next?
It needs approval from the Senate and then Gov. Kathy Hochul. According to FASNY, the Senate is expected to pass the bill before the end of the session as they’ve been “a longstanding supporter of volunteer emergency services that has previously passed versions of the legislation multiple times.”
“Every department is screaming for volunteers,” Angelino said. “We need to find everything we can to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and EMS.”
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY Assembly passes bill to quadruple tax credits for volunteer fire, EMS
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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