Kelly wants tax breaks for firefighters, EMTs

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http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pb.../608170328/1006

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Kelly wants tax breaks for firefighters, EMTs

By Michael Risinit

The Journal News

MONTROSE, Westchester County — Volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians could get a break on their federal income tax under a proposal announced Wednesday by U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly, R-Katonah.

Kelly stopped by the Cortlandt Engine Co. to discuss legislation she has introduced that would provide the volunteers with an income-tax deduction of up to $250 to reimburse them for their gas costs incurred when responding to emergency calls.

"A lot of people don't realize the people going down the road with the bluelights on the dashboard are us, going to calls, going back to the firehouse and going home," said Tom Johnson, a Cortlandt volunteer since 1998. "Repeat that 200 times a year and that's $500 in gas."

Kelly introduced the bill this month and modeled it on legislation she co-sponsored that gives teachers a similar tax break for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.

"Volunteer firefighters and EMTs donate their time and resources to help save lives and protect our communities," Kelly said in a statement. "Not only are they not paid for the critical services they provide, but their gas costs for responding to emergencies come out of their own pockets. This bill would provide these volunteers with some well-deserved federal assistance for their selfless efforts."

A Kelly spokesman said the latest measure would be referred to the House Ways and Means Committee when Congress reconvenes next month. It most likely would be incorporated into a larger piece of tax-relief legislation, similar to the teachers' tax deduction, spokesman Kevin Callahan said.

Michael Risinit can be reached at mrisinit@lohud.com

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Kelly introduced the bill this month and modeled it on legislation she co-sponsored that gives teachers a similar tax break for out-of-pocket classroom expenses.

A Kelly spokesman said the latest measure would be referred to the House Ways and Means Committee when Congress reconvenes next month. It most likely would be incorporated into a larger piece of tax-relief legislation, similar to the teachers' tax deduction, spokesman Kevin Callahan said.

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A bit off the subject, but perhaps if some (not all) teacher salaries weren't so out of hand ($95,000/yr for a kindergarten teacher in the district where I live), there'd be more money to cover classroom costs. Just my opinion.....