HUDSON VALLEY FIREFIGHTERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS RALLY IN BIPARTISAN PUSH URGING GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SIGN BILL TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS RALLY IN OSSINING, CALL ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL TO SIGN BILL TO SUPPORT NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS
Rally Follows Poll Showing 87 Percent of New York Voters Support Quadrupling the Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters
OSSINING, NY — Volunteer firefighters and elected officials gathered outside the Ossining Fire Department today to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign legislation quadrupling New York’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker tax credit. The bill, S.6233-A/A.6790-A, passed both houses of the Legislature this year with bipartisan support and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
The bill, sponsored by State Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblymember Karen McMahon, would raise New York’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker income tax credit from $200 to $800. It would also let volunteers claim both the state credit and any locally authorized property tax exemption, ending a rule that currently forces them to choose one or the other. The credit has not increased since it was created nearly 20 years ago.
Today’s rally follows a July 2026 poll commissioned by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and conducted by Moxie Strategies, which found that 87 percent of New York voters support quadrupling the credit. The poll surveyed 813 New York voters from July 22 to 28 and found support crossing party lines, region and age.
“Today volunteers from across New York stood together to ask Governor Hochul for one thing: her signature. Property taxes outside New York City are already high, and our members hear about it from their neighbors every day. It doesn’t matter what zip code you’re in, every volunteer firefighter in this state deserves the same support,” said Donald Farrell, FASNY President.
“It is well past time for our state to increase the Volunteer Fire/EMS Tax Credit to give back to the people who stand up for us each and every day. The men and women who fight fires and respond to emergencies do so selflessly, for the betterment of our communities. Volunteer first responders, especially in our rural communities, carry a tremendous responsibility for keeping us all safe. I was proud to sign on and champion this bill in the Assembly during the legislative session this year, and I’m just as proud to join the brave men and women who serve our communities in asking Governor Hochul to swiftly sign this bill, and affirm our state’s gratitude to these everyday heroes,” said Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay.
“As a longtime supporter of our first responders and a co-sponsor of A.6790, I proudly voted to increase tax credits for our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers,” said Assemblyman Patrick Carroll. “These men and women make extraordinary sacrifices to protect our communities — running into fires and responding to emergencies while others flee danger. These volunteer first responders are the backbone of our communities. While this legislation alone is unlikely to fully address the challenges of recruitment and retainment facing volunteer departments, this is an important step toward recognizing their invaluable contributions and the important service they provide to our communities across New York every day. I strongly urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law.”
“Today’s rally showed what basic fairness looks like in person. Neighbors, elected officials, and volunteers stood together outside the Ossining Fire Department for the more than 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS workers who serve communities across New York. From Ossining to Buffalo, they’re asking Governor Hochul for one thing — her signature. We’re hopeful she heard that message loud and clear,” said John D’Alessandro, FASNY Secretary.
“I’ve lived in this community my whole life, and I feel the cost of living here every time my property tax bill comes. Watching my dad serve and knowing first-hand what our volunteers give up on their own time and their own money, I know exactly what this tax credit means for families like mine,” said Mackenzie Farrell, an Ossining homeowner, parent, and volunteer firefighter. “Volunteerism has been the staple of this community for my entire life. I’m asking Governor Hochul to sign this bill for families like mine and across the Hudson Valley.”
About FASNY
The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the more than 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS workers who protect more than 80 percent of New York State geographically. Founded in 1872, FASNY advocates for the training, resources and support the volunteer fire service needs to keep New York communities safe. Learn more at FASNY.com.
