Legislation Proposes Tax Credits for Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Personnel

To help struggling firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) has introduced bipartisan legislation, House Bill 2235, that would provide a financial incentive in the form of a tax credit to encourage individuals to join their local fire and EMS services.

“There is a severe shortage of paid and volunteer firefighters as well as a severe shortage of emergency medical service personnel,” Pugh said. “I believe a tax credit would go a long way to help entice individuals into these fields, as well as help retain the people already preforming these critical duties.

Pugh’s legislation would give a $6,000 tax credit per year over five years to fire and EMS personnel that currently serve in the state of Pennsylvania and those that move to our state to take up these positions.

House Bill 2235 has been assigned to the House Finance Committee for consideration.