Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced the Assembly passage of A6790-A, legislation aimed at increasing New York’s volunteer firefighter and volunteer ambulance worker tax credit and helping strengthen volunteer emergency services across the state.

The bill also allows eligible volunteers to receive both the state tax credit and local property tax exemption – helping support recruitment and retention efforts for local volunteer fire departments and ambulance organizations.

“Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers play a critical role in protecting our communities and responding to emergencies every single day,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Many communities rely heavily on volunteers to provide emergency services, and departments across New York continue to face recruitment and retention challenges. This legislation helps recognize the important service these volunteers provide while offering additional financial relief to help support and retain these dedicated first responders.”

Volunteer emergency responders provide fire protection, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and other lifesaving services in communities across New York, often while balancing full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and countless hours of training and emergency response.