First Responder Tax-Credit Bill Passes PA House
The bill is co-sponsored by Bill Kortz and Harry Readshaw, state representatives from Baldwin-Whitehall.
"As you may know, our need for volunteer emergency service personnel is at an all-time high," state Rep. William C. Kortz II said in a news release on Tuesday. "I'm pleased to share news with you that the state House (of Representatives) unanimously passed a bill (yesterday) that would offer tax credits to volunteer first responders."
Kortz, a Democrat from Pennsylvania's 38th House District, which includes south Baldwin Borough; and Harry A. Readshaw, a Democrat whose 36th District includes parts of Baldwin and Whitehall boroughs, were two sponsors of the bill—No. 142—which would allow local municipalities to institute a tax credit for volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel.
"Tax credits can serve as a recruitment tool for local first response companies," Kortz said in the release, "many of which often struggle to retain volunteer firefighters and EMS (emergency medical services) crew.
"At the same time, it serves as a small token of appreciation for these brave men and women who risk their lives to save others."
The bill would establish what would be known as the Municipal Volunteers of Fire Companies, Ambulance Services and Rescue Companies Incentive Act, and it would allow local governments and school districts to provide earned income and/or property tax credits for qualified, active volunteers as a financial incentive for recruitment and retention.
The tax credits would be available only to active members of a volunteer fire company, volunteer ambulance service or volunteer rescue company.
The bill has moved on to the state Senate for further consideration.
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In This article
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Hon. William C. Kortz II (State Representative)
5101 Old Clairton Rd, Pittsburgh, PA -
Baldwin Borough Municipal Complex
3344 Churchview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA -
Borough of Whitehall Municipal Complex (Administrative Offices and Outdoor Recreation)
100 Borough Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA
NE12Ukid
4:15 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The tax credits would be available only to active members of a volunteer fire company, volunteer ambulance service or volunteer rescue company.
So the paid EMS workers, city firemen, etc would not get this, just the volunteers. Sounds like a reasonable idea to me. We do rely on those volunteers.
Jon Wain
8:26 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Your boro could not afford to man the firehouses .Paid men and women do serve area fire stations as paid firefighters but they are usually a driver and three other firefighters. So you got 4 personel heading to you home for a call. If the call turns out to be a working fire they tone out the volunteers .And they answer in droves .15 ,,20 highly trained men and women.The original 4 firefighters on the responding engine can't rescue you put up ladders lay hose from the hydrant ,there is just to much to do at a working fire for very little man power.Non paid departments answer with 15 20 firefighters and are able to move the 3,4,5,6 fire vehicles that carry the neededtools to fight the fire at you house.SO support this bill .it will bring the house to your house when you need it.