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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Hornaman |
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Hornaman volunteer firefighter tax credit bill passes House
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Rep. John Hornaman, D-Erie, announced that legislation he authored to allow local municipalities to institute a tax credit for volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel unanimously passed the state House this week.
"Now more than ever, as we struggle with our national and local economies, the need for volunteer emergency service personnel is at an all-time high," Hornaman said. "I developed this legislation because I think a tax credit for volunteers can serve as an important recruitment tool for local fire companies, who often struggle to retain firefighters on a volunteer level. It also represents a small token of appreciation for these brave souls who risk their lives to save others."
House Bill 250 would establish the Municipal Volunteer Incentive Act, which would allow local governments to adopt earned income tax credits for volunteers as a financial incentive for recruitment and retention. The legislation includes volunteer Emergency Medical Services and rescue squad members as well as firefighters. Language was added to make sure the credit would apply even on a joint return. A county property tax credit and/or a school property tax credit may also be applied up to 20 percent against the taxpayer’s property tax liability.
Hornaman said under the legislation, the State Fire Commissioner would be required to consider the following activities in developing the tax credit program:
· The number of emergency calls to which a volunteer firefighter responds;
· The level of training and participation in formal training and drills;
· The total amount of time expended on administrative and other support services, including fundraising and facility or equipment maintenance; and
· The involvement in other events or projects that aid the financial viability, emergency response or operational readiness of a volunteer fire company.
In addition, the chief of the volunteer fire company or designee would be responsible for documenting the activities of volunteer firefighters in a service log and submitting the information in report form to the State Fire Commissioner on or before Feb. 1 of each year for certification.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
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