POLL: NEW YORK VOTERS OVERWHELMINGLY SAY IT’S TIME TO QUADRUPLE THE VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER TAX CREDIT
87% of New Yorkers Across Political Parties Want Governor Hochul to Sign the Bill to Drive Down Costs for Firefighters and Protect Public Safety for Communities
Results Available Here
A new statewide survey shows overwhelming, bipartisan support for quadrupling New York’s volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker tax credit as volunteers across the state urge Governor Kathy Hochul to continue her long, storied support for volunteers by signing the bill.
S.6233-A/A.6790-A, sponsored by State Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblymember Karen McMahon, has been a long time priority for the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) as well as for every volunteer fire service organization across the state, and it passed both the State Senate and Assembly this session with bipartisan support. It would raise the credit from $200 to $800 a year — the first increase since it was created two decades ago. In the poll, conducted by Moxie Strategies among 813 New York voters from July 22–28, 87% support the increase.
“Lawmakers came together, Democrats and Republicans alike, because they heard what this poll shows: volunteer firefighters and EMS workers are stretched thin,” said Donald Farrell, President of FASNY. “Now it’s Governor Hochul’s turn. We’re grateful for her partnership on so many issues affecting our first responders, and we’re simply asking her to take this deserved and necessary step. New Yorkers are ready.”
Support crosses party, region, and age demographics, which is a reflection of how closely New Yorkers identify with their local volunteer fire departments, covering more than 80% of the state’s geography. 77% of voters view their local department favorably, and 78% view volunteer firefighters favorably overall.
Beyond the tax credit itself, voters also recognize the strain on departments, the value they bring to New York communities, and the support they deserve:
- 68% say out-of-pocket costs for gear, fuel, and training discourage volunteering
- 66% say departments lack enough volunteers to answer every call
- 91% agreed that supporting volunteers through an expanded tax credit ensures every community gets the emergency service it deserves
- 88% cite state savings of $4 billion a year as a good reason to expand the tax credit
- 92% support giving volunteers injured in the line of duty the same benefits provided under workers’ compensation law
“This tax credit expansion is basic fairness for the more than 80,000 volunteers who run toward emergencies while balancing careers and families,” said FASNY Secretary John D’Alessandro. “The Legislature showed what’s possible when both parties work together. We’re hopeful the Governor will meet that same spirit with her signature this year.”
About the Survey
This survey of 813 New York voters was conducted July 22–28, 2026, by Moxie Strategies via live phone interviews and texts. Results are significant within ±4.3 percentage points, weighted to the state’s registered voter population by gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, region, and party.
It also found Hochul leading Republican Bruce Blakeman 49% to 37% in New York’s 2026 gubernatorial contest, with her approval split narrowly 46%-51%.
