Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) and Sen. Jake Ashby (R,C-Castleton) are thrilled that Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin is providing volunteer firefighters and emergency service workers with an exemption on their property taxes.

Localities can offer up to a 10 percent exemption of the assessed value on a volunteer’s primary residence. First responders are eligible after two years of service.

Ashby voted for this legislation in the state Assembly.

Both legislators will continue to support efforts to recruit and retain volunteer first responders and to provide all residents with relief on their tax bills.

“These men and women protect us when we need them the most,” said Bendett. “They deserve this financial relief. It’s the right thing to do. I want to thank County Executive McLaughlin for his leadership on this issue. As budget negotiations begin, I’ll be fighting for resources to support our volunteer firefighters and emergency service workers.”

“I want to commend County Executive McLaughlin for supporting this initiative. We will continue to partner with local governments to identify new incentives for people who are willing to step up and protect their neighbors. We’ll never be able to adequately thank our volunteer firefighters and first responders for all their sacrifices, but this is a good step in the right direction,” said Sen. Ashby.