Quincy Reporter

 Republican Sens. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) are pushing legislation that would pave the way for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel to collect a $500 income tax credit beginning next year.

“A number of communities in west-central Illinois rely on the selfless service of volunteer emergency workers,” Tracy said in a post to Facebook. “This legislation would provide a small token of our appreciation for these brave men and women who work so hard to help and protect their fellow residents. We are inspired by their courage and dedication.”

Senate Bill 3027 would make changes to the definition of "volunteer emergency worker," along with offering an income tax credit to help attract such workers. As part of the new setup, there would be a $500 tax credit offered for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member of or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months of the year and do not receive over $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year.

Having more than a decade of service in the Quad Cities as a professional firefighter under his belt, Anderson speaks from experience about how important volunteer contributors are to the mix.

“People’s lives have changed, and volunteer department numbers are down,” Anderson said. “If we can find a way to attract more volunteer emergency workers with a little incentive, it is something this small that could play a big role in saving someone’s home or their livelihoods. My hope is this bill will help increase and maintain retention rates for volunteer departments who already see greater challenges because of less resources. They deserve this kind of support, and I am glad we were able to get it done in a bipartisan manner in the Senate.”

SB 3027 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.