Quincy Reporter

In her week-in-review newsletter, Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) highlighted her support for a bill that would give a tax break to emergency services volunteers.

"Many smaller and more rural communities in west-central Illinois rely on volunteer firefighters, EMS personnel and paramedics. This legislation offers these volunteer emergency workers a $500 income tax credit as a token of our appreciation. We are inspired and thankful for their courage and selfless dedication to protect their fellow residents," Tracy said.

Introduced in the Senate on Jan. 5, the bill has made it through the Senate but has been referred to the House Rules Committee. Senate Bill 3027 would create a $500 income tax credit for individuals who serve as volunteer emergency workers who do not receive compensation for his or her services of more than $10,000 for the taxable year. 

The bill is getting support from firefighters.

"The message we want to get out today is two-fold: first there is a dire need for this legislation to pass; and secondly, we want to encourage people to consider becoming a volunteer fire or EMS worker and make a major difference in the lives of their community," Illinois Firefighters Association Legislative Chair Kevin Schott said. "Not all departments are totally volunteer, and some compensate per call while others provide stipends or reimbursement for expenses."

According to Illinois Newsroom, Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Watseka) has said that said passing the measure would help address staffing issues in rural areas that cannot afford full-time firefighters. "They don't do it for the money (or) do it for the glory," Bennett said. "They do it because they are committed to their communities, their neighbors and their families and they want to help."