Palmesano: Albany Dems Blocked A Tax Credit For Volunteers, Then Passed Their Own Version, Which Wasn’t As Good

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is reacting to the Assembly passing a new tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers, despite voting down similar legislation proposed by the Assembly Republican Conference, which would have given our heroes more. Under the Republican plan, individual volunteer firefighters would have received a tax credit of $2,500, while the bill ultimately passed by the Assembly will give them a tax credit of $800. “Weeks after voting down our Conference’s proposal, Assembly Democrats decided to pass their own, weakened version. It seems that after hearing outrage and getting bad publicity for their no votes, they were finally forced into action. The hypocrisy is stunning. It seems their playbook is to shoot down any good ideas from Republicans, realize people liked the proposal and then pass their own watered-down version. This, unfortunately, is how Albany operates under one-party rule,” said Palmesano.

Palmesano is also making it clear that while he would have preferred to see the $2,500 tax credit pass, he still supported this new one, because every little step in the right direction helps. “Our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers are the backbone of our rural communities. I was happy to vote in favor of this proposal, as any help we can give our volunteers is a good thing. I have had opportunities to attend a number of fire department banquets over the years and have been able to see firsthand the incredible dedication and service of our volunteers to their local communities. It is not just an individual commitment. It is so often both family and generational commitment. It’s also important to remember that our volunteers don’t just protect their neighbors and their property. They also protect the property taxpayers. Studies have shown that if the services they provided had to be paid services, it would cost residents nearly $5 billion more in higher property taxes. Unfortunately, our volunteer ranks are continuing to shrink, so it is absolutely imperative that we take action and do much more to help recruit and retain more of these dedicated individuals. Although this is not nearly enough, it is my hope that this small gesture will help in this effort. I will continue to support our volunteer firefighters and EMS workers and fight for them to receive all the support they not only deserve but have certainly earned,” added Palmesano.