Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is cosponsoring legislation (S.3021) in the State Senate that would remove the sales tax on new and used ambulances purchased by commercial ambulance companies.

In addition to removing the sales tax on the vehicles themselves, the bill would provide a similar exemption for the purchase of medical equipment and supplies by commercial ambulance companies.

"The commercial ambulance industry provides approximately one-half of all of the emergency medical transports in New York State," said Senator Larkin. "All ambulance service providers are required to treat and transport patients, regardless of their ability to pay. The reality, however, is that ambulance services often go unreimbursed, and the companies have no resources or charity pools to help offset the cost of this care. This bill would help provide ambulance companies with critical tax relief and help ensure the continued delivery of their services."