Resolution calling on New York State to create a $500 tax credit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers when filing New York City income tax.

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Res. No. 1368 ..Title Resolution calling on New York State to create a $500 tax credit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers when filing New York City income tax. ..Body By Council Members Brannan and Yeger Whereas, The New York City Fire Department ("FDNY") along with its Bureau of Emergency Medical Services ("EMS") responds to a wide variety of emergency incidents including structural fires, public safety emergencies, both medical and non-medical emergencies, natural disasters, and terrorist acts; and Whereas, During Fiscal Year 2019, the FDNY responded to 26,207 structural fires and 12,291 non-structural fires; and Whereas, During Fiscal Year 2019, there were approximately 4,400 EMS personnel on staff who were charged with responding to more than 1.5 million medical emergencies including nearly 569,000 life-threatening incidents; and Whereas, The bravery of these men and women was highlighted during our City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and Whereas, At the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, as many as 7,000 emergency calls were placed in a single day, a level not seen since September 11, 2001; including the highest three-day call volume in FDNY history; and Whereas, These calls were not only answered by FDNY personnel but also volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers; and Whereas, Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers arguably do not receive just compensation for the vital civic duty they provide to our City; and Whereas, According to New York State's Department of Taxation and Finance, volunteer firefighter's and ambulance workers currently receive an annual State tax credit of only $200; and Whereas, Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers often spend personal money on professional gear, while navigating the high cost of living in New York City; and Whereas, These volunteers should be afforded an increased a tax credit of $500 to help offset the financial burdens they experience; and Whereas, This tax credit could help retain current volunteers, as well as bolster recruiting of new volunteers; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on New York State to create a $500 tax credit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers can claim when filing New York City income tax. WJH LS 14305 7/1/20

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