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S 5033

Relates to the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' credit; repealer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Griffo and 2 co-sponsors

S 5033 repeals New York's tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, eliminating financial incentives for unpaid emergency responders without specified replacement benefits.

REFERRED TO BUDGET AND REVENUE
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Bill Summary · S 5033

Legislative bill overview

S 5033 proposes to repeal New York's volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' tax credit, which currently allows eligible volunteers to claim a state income tax credit. The bill would eliminate this financial incentive program entirely without establishing replacement support mechanisms.

Why is this important

Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers are critical to emergency response infrastructure in many New York communities, particularly rural and suburban areas where volunteer services prevent massive taxpayer costs for professional services. Removing this modest tax credit could reduce recruitment and retention of volunteers who already donate significant unpaid time and face occupational hazards.

Potential points of contention

  • Volunteer recruitment impact: Eliminating the credit may discourage volunteerism in communities already struggling with staffing shortages, potentially forcing municipalities to transition to paid services at substantial cost increases
  • Fiscal motivation vs. public service: Debate over whether tax credits are the appropriate policy tool to support volunteerism versus other incentive structures (equipment funding, training grants, liability protections)
  • Equity considerations: Unclear how repeal affects different-sized communities—larger areas with paid services versus smaller towns dependent entirely on volunteers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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