Volunteer first responders in New York can get a new local government tax credit under a bill signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
It offers a tax credit to firefighters and ambulance workers who volunteer their services.
Local governments would be required to adopt a local law that would exempt 10% of assessed value for a primary home of first responders to create the savings.
The measure is not mandated by state government, so local municipalities will have the option to opt-in, but will come at the expense of local tax collection.
State leaders hope this provides a way forward for volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps, which have long-struggled with growing and retaining their ranks.
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