Bipartisan Bill Aims to Exempt Volunteer Firefighter Awards from State Income Tax
YORK, Pa. — A significant bipartisan initiative has gained momentum in Pennsylvania, with the state House unanimously passing House Bill 1306. This legislation seeks to exempt "length-of-service" awards given to volunteer firefighters from state income tax, allowing these dedicated individuals to retain more of their hard-earned compensation.
The bill, championed by Democratic Rep. Justin Fleming and Republican Rep. Joe Kerwin, both representing Dauphin County, focuses on the retention bonuses often provided to unpaid volunteer firefighters based on their years of service. Currently, these awards are subject to taxation, reducing the financial incentive for volunteers who sacrifice their time and safety to protect local communities.
“Every day, our volunteer firefighters give their time and put themselves in danger to safeguard our community’s health, safety, and property. Our bill keeps the hard-earned money these men and women deserve in their pockets," said Rep. Fleming. Echoing this sentiment, Rep. Kerwin emphasized the importance of supporting firefighters: "Firefighters answer the call 24/7 to protect our communities. There are great demands on their time, and they shouldn’t be taxed on the income that departments use as a retention incentive.”
The resounding support from the House underscores a collective recognition of the vital role volunteer firefighters play in ensuring community safety. As the bill heads to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration, advocates hope it will further bolster volunteer fire departments and address the ongoing challenges they face in recruitment and retention.
This legislative effort reflects a growing acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by volunteer firefighters, aiming to enhance their financial well-being and promote the sustainability of volunteer firefighting across the state.
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