The Serve Act responds to the recruitment issues of new volunteer firefighters in local communities.  The bill would provide a $1,000 tax credit; and can serve as an important recruitment tool for local groups to boost enrollment numbers. In addition, the credit can help offset the cost of the many calls and training sessions volunteers attend on their own time and at their own expense.

"Our brave first responders provide critical services for the safety and security of our local communities," said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  "It my hope that these funds will encourage more people in the community to serve as Volunteer Firefighters and reward our firefighters who presently serve their local communities so courageously."

Congresswoman Gillibrand continued, "The Federal government can contribute and help reverse this trend of declining volunteers by encouraging such courageous service. Recruitment goals can be met if there are incentives to get people to join into the voluntary fire and emergency services. The Serve Act is just a small incentive and thank-you for their admirable service to their community."

WHO: 

Congresswoman Gillibrand,
Volunteer Firefighters from the Rexford Fire Department and local EMTs

WHAT:    
Rep. Gillibrand Bill announcing the 2007 Serve Act. 

WHEN:  
Tuesday, October 4th, 2007 10:00 am

WHERE:

Rexford Volunteer Fire Station
Map of Rexford Fire District, 1601 Route 146 Rexford, NY
518-399.0051

Background:

The Bill, which was originally introduced in last Congress, will be authored by Congressman Hinchey in the House and Senator Schumer in the Senate.  Congresswoman Gillibrand will be an original co-sponsor. 

Congresswoman Gillibrand recently introduced and was the author of the Family Care Act which gives Middle Class Families an opportunity to double their tax deduction on their daycare expenses, the Congresswoman also introduced the 2007 College Affordability Act.  Both of Gillibrand's Bills (The Family Care Act and the College Affordability Act ) were introduced this year to help parents balance their careers and bring some relief to raising their children in a safe and enriching environment as well as planning for their future.

75% of firefighters are volunteers. Every day hundreds of thousands of Americans voluntarily risk their lives to serve their communities as firefighters and emergency personnel, outnumbering their paid counterparts three-to-one. They handle the full range of fire-related duties, and in some of the most populated cities and towns, perform as complex fire services as those in paid departments.

American communities depend on the services of volunteer organizations. The members of these groups respond to a wide array of emergencies, including structure and wild land fires, medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters and acts of terrorism. With enough active members strategically distributed throughout a municipality, volunteer departments can respond quickly and efficiently.

Volunteer emergency services save American taxpayers an estimated $37.2 billion per year. The funding of paid departments are met by taxes assessed by the jurisdiction, with approximately 94% of the taxes collected going to paying for salaries and benefits -- lest paid by the taxpayer usually through property taxes. Because volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel receive no pay and benefits, the cost associated with this tax incentive is quite small as compared to these savings.