Governor Kathy Hochul came to North Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, Oct. 17, to sign legislation to quadruple New York State’s personal income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, providing financial relief to first responders who dedicate their time to protecting communities across the state.
“Keeping New York safe and affordable is my highest priority. Today, I’m proud to sign into law a bill that recognizes the sacrifices that all volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers make,” Governor Hochul said. “These brave New Yorkers put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors, often sacrificing time with their families and loved ones. This tax credit puts more money back in their pockets and shows our appreciation for the lifesaving services they provide every day.”
A.6790-A/S.6233-A increases the annual personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for individuals and from $400 to $1,600 for married couples. The increased credit will apply beginning in tax year 2027, allowing eligible New Yorkers to claim the benefit when filing their taxes in 2028. Under the new law, eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers may claim either the increased state income tax credit or a qualifying local property tax exemption.
This legislation furthers the Governor’s ongoing commitment to New York’s volunteer first responders as they strengthen their recruitment and retention efforts – and falls in line with her Affordability Agenda. The Governor has previously signed legislation allowing local governments to offer volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers a property tax exemption of up to 10 percent, established a first-in-the-state training stipend program that has supported more than 5,500 firefighters completing foundational training, authorized volunteer departments to bill insurance providers for emergency medical services, and invested in the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) grant program to help departments upgrade facilities and purchase critical firefighting equipment.
“Last month I was here on Long Island to announce another $25 million investment on our volunteer firefighter program to help you, and that’s on top of the other $25 million I did… That’s $50 million we’ve invested in our V-FIRE support for firefighters all over this state,” Governor Hochul said. “And these funds go out to the volunteer fire companies all over New York. Help you purchase the critical firefighting equipment, life-saving equipment, the firefighting gear, and improve facilities because otherwise if we’re not doing it, it goes back on your local tax bill for people, and we’re trying to just lift that burden as well.”
She added, “I am really proud to announce that I’m signing a bill that recognizes the sacrifices, that acknowledges all of you, our EMT workers, our firefighters, all the time away from loved ones, all the little league games missed, all the holiday meals, all the house repairs put off, all those nights of sleep you just did not get… I want to do something in return on behalf of the people of the great State of New York, and put a little more money back in your pockets as a small form of gratitude. So that’s why today we’re increasing the state personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers from $200 to $800 — quadrupling the credit — quadrupling. And from $400 to $1,600 for married couples.”
At the same time, the Governor announced $1 million in state funding for the Village of Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department in Nassau County to purchase new radio equipment. The investment will allow the department to replace outdated radios that have limited functionality inside burning buildings, improving emergency communication among first responders operating in dangerous conditions.
Firefighters Association of the State of New York President Donald Farrell said,“Volunteer firefighters across New York show up at 3 a.m. without asking why. They leave their families, their jobs and their beds to answer the call, and they do it for free. Governor Hochul showed up for them. She listened to volunteers from every corner of this state, she understood what they were up against, and she made this tax credit a priority. This is a real thank you to the men and women serving today, and it’s how we bring in the next generation. When a young person is deciding whether to join their local firehouse, this tells them the state has their back. On behalf of FASNY and every volunteer firefighter in New York: thank you, Governor.”
While in town (homebase for Republican challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman), she stopped in to join local Democratic candidates at the campaign office of Juleigh Chin, candidate for County Legislature’s District 9, to cheer on a huge cadre of North Hempstead Democrats and New York State Young Democrats on their way to canvass for votes.
Among the Democratic candidates joining the Governor and Chin (Legislator-9th) were Charles D. Lavine (Assembly-13th), Kim Keiserman (Assembly-16th); Colleen Connaughton (Assembly-19th), Rory Lancman (State Senate-7th) Sean Michael McCarthy (Supervisor, North Hempstead); Skylar A. Epstein (Legislator-10th).
Also on the ballot: Adrienne E. Adams (Lt. Governor); Thomas P. DiNapoli (State Comptroller; Letitia A. James (Attorney General); Patrick Halpin (Congress-2nd); Thomas R. Suozzi (Congress-3rd); and Laura Gillen (Congress-4th).
