Rockland County, NY – Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski (D-New City) recently introduced the “Volunteer Fuel Reimbursement Act”, which would assist volunteer emergency workers with the rising fuel costs. It provides an income tax credit for fuel costs incurred while responding to emergencies. In the past year, New Yorkers have experienced a dramatic increase in the cost of motor fuel and, as a result, this now has an adverse effect on our volunteer emergency services throughout the state.
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“Volunteer emergency workers respond to emergencies with their own cars and, as fuel costs rise, they are forced to dig deeper into their own pockets to pay for fuel costs. This income tax credit would provide some relief for the growing financial burden associated with driving to and from an emergency”, said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski.
The Volunteer Fuel Reimbursement Act would provide a $5 income tax credit for each “call” volunteers go on in response to an emergency. The income tax credit will be reimbursed up to $500 or 100 calls, annually. The “chief” of each department would be responsible for certifying the amount of calls for each member of the Department.
“Our volunteers are already sacrificing their time and energy for the benefit of the community. Now, as the cost of fuel exceeds $4 a gallon, their service is becoming cost prohibitive. Hopefully, this measure will cover most, if not all, of the increased cost associated with traveling to and from emergency calls”, concluded Assemblyman Zebrowski.
In a phone interview with VIN News the Assemblyman stressed an interesting point “Its quite amazing with such a large population in Rockland county we have only a volunteer based fire dept that is not funded by any government entity” he said. “therefore i felt an urgent need to help those who work on their own to help others” the assemblyman said.
How about reducing gas taxes and allowing drilling off coast of NY
it will be good for hatzolo too !!!
Good idea Assemblyman…..worthwhile legislation that will be good for the volunteers and the people they help!!!!
nice idea, but needs to be heavily monitored since commiting fraud would be easy.
nice idea, but needs to be heavily monitored since commiting fraud would be easy.
It wouldn’t be to easy since there is such a low ceiling limit.