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On October 1, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3666), 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 a reward for their service. VRIPRA, which was enacted in 2007, expires at the end of 2010. In addition to extending the benefit, H.R. 3666 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 Congresswoman Baldwin and Congressman Reichert for introducing this important legislation to extend tax exemptions on benefits provided to volunteer emergency responders by state and local units of government,” said the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “The services 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 across the country provide them with modest benefits. Federal taxation of these benefits diminishes their incentive value and discourages communities from offering benefits of any type.”

 

“I urge all NVFC members to contact their member of Congress and ask them to co-sponsor H.R. 3666,” said Stittleburg. “VRIPA had 159 cosponsors when it passed in 2007 and we will need just as much if not more support to pass extension legislation.”