I was proud to vote for a new law passed by the General Assembly in July that allows volunteer firefighters, ambulance personnel and rescue workers to qualify for a $100 credit on their state income taxes.

Volunteers can earn the tax credit by accumulating points for doing what volunteer emergency responders normally do -- responding to calls, attending training or obtaining certification, holding officer positions and even participating in support activities like fund-raisers.

Volunteers will earn points this year and can apply in 2009 for a credit on their 2008 state income taxes. The applications will be available in my local offices beginning in January 2009.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS: Call the State Fire Commissioner's Office at 1-800-670-3473, or click here for more information.

VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE AND RESCUE PERSONNEL: Call the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Medical Services at 717-787-8740, or click here for more information.