Res 1368-2020

By Council Members Brannan and Yeger Whereas, The New York City Fire Department ("FDNY") along with its Bureau of Emergency Medical Services ("EMS") responds to a wide variety of emergency incidents including structural fires, public safety emergencies, both medical and non-medical emergencies, natural disasters, and terrorist acts; and Whereas, During Fiscal Year 2019, the FDNY responded to 26,207 structural fires and 12,291 non-structural fires; and Whereas, During Fiscal Year 2019, there were approximately 4,400 EMS personnel on staff who were charged with responding to more than 1.5 million medical emergencies including nearly 569,000 life-threatening incidents; and Whereas, The bravery of these men and women was highlighted during our City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and Whereas, At the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, as many as 7,000 emergency calls were placed in a single day, a level not seen since September 11, 2001; including the highest three-day call volume in FDNY history; and Whereas, These calls were not only answered by FDNY personnel but also volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers; and Whereas, Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers arguably do not receive just compensation for the vital civic duty they provide to our City; and Whereas, According to New York State's Department of Taxation and Finance, volunteer firefighter's and ambulance workers currently receive an annual State tax credit of only $200; and Whereas, Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers often spend personal money on professional gear, while navigating the high cost of living in New York City; and Whereas, These volunteers should be afforded an increased a tax credit of $500 to help offset the financial burdens they experience; and Whereas, This tax credit could help retain current volunteers, as well as bolster recruiting of new volunteers; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on New York State to create a $500 tax credit for qualifying volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers can claim when filing New York City income tax. WJH LS 14305 7/1/20