During National Fire Prevention Week, New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo was joined by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Assemblyman Brian Miller and area firefighters to advocate for legislation the senator has introduced that would help area fire and police departments retain and recruit members.

 

Called the “Public Safety Investment Act,” Sen. Griffo’s bill (S.6786A) would provide police and fire departments with access to $300 million in grant funding over a three-year period to help with recruitment and retention efforts and purchasing equipment. The bill would allocate $100 million each year that would be split evenly ($50 million) between police and fire departments.

 

A companion bill has been introduced by Assemblyman Michael Cashman.

 

While an additional $25 million in funding for fire departments was included in this year’s state budget, Sen. Griffo believes that this is insufficient to meet the needs of departments.

 

“Throughout New York, many police and fire departments are struggling financially and face significant challenges when it comes recruiting and retaining members and keeping equipment up to date and in working order,” Sen. Griffo said. “Local governments are often forced to raise taxes to address these issues. My bill will strengthen police and fire departments, enhance public safety in the state and help to alleviate the burden on taxpayers.”

 

Additionally, Sen. Griffo is calling on the legislative majorities to send legislation that would help first responders and emergency personnel across the state to the governor and for the bill to be signed into law.

 

The bill (S.6233-A/A.6790-A), which was cosponsored by Sen. Griffo, increases the volunteer firefighters' and ambulance workers' personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals and from $400 to $1600 for eligible married joint filers. It was passed towards the end of this year’s legislative session but has not been sent yet by the legislative majorities to the governor for her consideration.

 

 

“Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers answered the call to serve their communities and step up to help others without hesitation. I am hopeful that the governor recognizes and appreciates all that these men and women do on our behalf and will expeditiously sign this bill,” Sen. Griffo said. “Raising the tax credit is one small way we can say, ‘thank you’ to our first responders while also helping to bolster volunteer ranks for fire departments across the state.”

 

“Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers give countless hours, leave their families at a moment’s notice and put themselves in harm’s way to help their neighbors,” said Assemblyman Miller. “I thank these dedicated men and women, along with the families who support them, for everything they do to keep our communities safe. As local departments face recruitment and retention challenges, we must back our gratitude with meaningful support. Increasing the volunteer tax credit recognizes the personal time and expense that come with this service, while Senator Griffo’s proposed investments would help departments recruit members and purchase essential equipment. I thank Senator Griffo for his leadership and urge the Governor to sign the tax credit legislation.”

 

“Our volunteer firefighters and EMS providers are the cornerstone of public safety here in the Mohawk Valley and across the State,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “It is estimated that over ninety percent of departments in New York are volunteers, which means the person who answers the call is almost always a neighbor, a coworker, or a friend, often after a full day of work and family responsibilities. Retaining the dedicated volunteers we have and recruiting new members to bolster the ranks go hand in hand, and increasing this tax credit speaks to both. As cosponsor of this legislation, I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law without delay.”

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