20 Apr 2010

Volunteer emergency responders would benefit from the new act
Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3136), would extend income tax exemptions on property tax benefits and up to $360 per year of other benefits.

On March 18, Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) along with original co-sponsor Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3136), which would extend income tax exemptions on property tax benefits and up to $360 per year of "other benefits" that volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel receive as reward for their service. VRIPA, which was enacted in 2007, expires at the end of this year.

In addition to extending the benefit, S. 3136 would increase to $600 the amount of "other benefits" that are exempt from federal income tax in a given year.

"I'd like to thank Senator Dodd and Senator Collins for introducing this important bill to extend tax exemptions for volunteer emergency responders," said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. "The service provided by volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel save taxpayers approximately $40 billion every year. In order to retain and recruit volunteers, many state and local governments provide them with modest benefits. Federal taxation of these benefits diminishes their incentive value and discourages communities from offering benefits at all."

The new act would enhance the earnings of the entire fire fighting industry
S. 3136, along with House companion legislation (H.R. 3666), has broad support within the emergency services community, including from the Congressional Fire Services Institute's National Advisory Committee, which is made up of more than 40 organizations representing various aspects of the fire and emergency services, and the Advocates for EMS, which is comprised of a number of national EMS organizations. S. 3136 and H.R. 3666 are also supported by the National Association of Towns and Townships, which represent units of government in many small communities, which are primarily served by volunteers.

"We have about 9 months until VRIPA expires and unless this bill passes between now and then, thousands of volunteer fighters and EMS personnel will see their federal taxes increase in 2011," said Stittleburg. "I urge all NVFC members to contact their U.S. Senators to ask them to support S. 3136."