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Hochul Signs Legislation Quadrupling New York State Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers
The law raises the annual credit to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for couples as volunteer ranks fall to a 40-year low, advocates said.
- On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation quadrupling New York's personal income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers at the Hempstead Fire Department in Nassau County.
- Statewide volunteer firefighting ranks have dropped 33% over the last 20 years, according to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, forcing some departments to close or merge.
- Beginning in tax year 2027, eligible volunteers can claim an annual $800 income tax credit for individuals or $1,600 for married couples, with an option to claim a qualifying local property tax exemption instead.
- Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman criticized Hochul on Monday for alleged inaction, though the campaign noted the bill was already signed into law last Saturday in Blakeman's county.
- Lawmakers are considering additional measures including Senate Bill S5432 to increase disability benefits for volunteers and Assembly Bill A4414A, which would protect volunteers from workplace discrimination during required training.
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The Saratogian
The SaratogianHochul signs legislation quadrupling New York state tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers
Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers across New York will soon see their state personal income tax credits quadrupled under legislation recently signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
2026 Governor’s Race: Blakeman attacks Hochul for allegedly not signing volunteer firefighter tax relief bill — two days after she signed it
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill last week expanding tax relief for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers — but her Republican opponent in the governor's race, Bruce Blakeman, apparently missed the memo. The Hochul reelection campaign seized upon Blakeman's attack on Monday, accusing the incumbent of not signing the bill, two days after she…
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 17%
C 75%
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