File #: Res 0007-2024    Version: * Name: NYS to create a $500 tax credit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers when filing NYC income tax.
Type: Resolution Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Finance
On agenda: 2/8/2024
Enactment date: Law number:
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.
Sponsors: Justin L. Brannan, Farah N. Louis, Kalman Yeger , Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Althea V. Stevens, Jennifer Gutiérrez
Council Member Sponsors: 6
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 7, 2. February 8, 2024 - Stated Meeting Agenda, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 2-8-24, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - February 8, 2024

Res. No. 7

 

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.

 

By Council Members Brannan, Louis, Yeger, Brooks-Powers, Stevens and Gutiérrez

 

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 2021, the FDNY responded to 24,359 structural fires and 16,405 non-structural fires; and

Whereas, During Fiscal Year 2020, there were approximately 4,400 EMS personnel on staff who were charged with responding to nearly 1.5 million medical emergencies including over 500,000 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.

 

 

 

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