By Carly Newton
The Press-Republican
PLATTSBURGH, NY — A bill that will raise the state income tax credits for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members has passed the New York Assembly.
The bill, A06790, passed unanimously with help from North Country Assemblymen Matt Simpson (R, C-Adirondack) and Michael Cashman (D- Plattsburgh ), both co-sponsors of the bill.
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The bill ensures state income tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps members increases from $200 to $800 per individual and from $400 to $1,600 for qualifying joint filers.
In addition to increasing the statewide income tax credit, the legislation removes a barrier that currently forces volunteers to choose between receiving the state income tax credit and benefiting from locally authorized property tax exemptions.
The legislation would allow volunteers to receive both incentives simultaneously, restoring flexibility for local governments and strengthening local recruitment and retention efforts.
“Today’s passage of A.6790 is a victory for the volunteer first responders who protect our rural communities across the North Country,” Simpson said.
“Our volunteer fire departments are in desperate need of more members. Without stronger incentives like this tax credit, many departments would have no choice but to transition to paid staffing, which would place a massive new financial burden on local municipalities, the state and ultimately the taxpayers who are already struggling. This is a no-brainer. Supporting volunteers strengthens an essential service while helping prevent even greater costs down the road.”
Simpson highlighted the broader context of New York’s ongoing affordability crisis, noting the state has lost nearly one million residents since 2020, largely due to high taxes and an unaffordable climate.
“Providing meaningful tax relief to the men and women who answer the call for help is common sense,” Simpson continued.
The calls for an increase in volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members’ state income tax credits have been loud recently. Last month, a push to get a bill, which would have increased state income tax credits up to $2,500 for those volunteers, out of the Ways and Means Committee in the Assembly, failed.
Those who voted against moving it out of the committee for an official floor vote, including Cashman, said the decision to vote against it was not because of the merits of the bill but rather the attempt to supersede the committee process at the time.
Simpson said the most recent bill that passed was diluted in comparison to the one in April.
“Unfortunately, partisan politics nearly killed this idea entirely. Just weeks ago, the Democratic Majority was ready to shelve the entire concept when they blocked the stronger $2,500 tax credit proposal in A.1064,” he said.
“Only after facing serious backlash from frustrated first responders and communities statewide did they rush out their own diluted version. This is yet another glaring example of single-party politics failing the people of New York.”
Simpson pledged to continue fighting for stronger support for volunteer emergency services and policies that make New York more affordable.
“We have a Majority that consistently puts party loyalty ahead of practical solutions for working families and public safety. At least our volunteers are finally getting something, but they deserve far better than these political games,” he said.
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York Association welcomed the passage of Bill A06790.
Past President of FASNY from 2022 to 2024, Edward Tase , said the next step is for the New York State Senate to pass it and from there, Gov. Kathy Hochul will need to sign it: both of which he is optimistic about happening.
“That’s a very long overdue piece of legislation,” Tase said. “That was my top priority as I was president.”
The state income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members has been the same since 2006. Tase said this increase is expected to help recruitment, which volunteer departments have been struggling with in recent years.
“Over 20 years at $200, this is a golden gift,” Tase said about the legislation.
“These volunteer firefighters are going to use this extra money that they’re going to get in their income tax credit to help them … continue to serve. Fuel prices are going up right now at almost $5 a gallon, and these volunteer firefighters put this fuel in their own car to respond to emergencies, and this will help tremendously.”
Cashman is happy to see this bill passed but acknowledged there is more work to be done.
“I’m pleased to work with members of various professional organizations including FASNY and the Fire Chief’s Association that puts the needs of members front and center,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing working with the professional associations on meaningful items for our volunteer firefighters.”
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