State legislation would expand first-responder tax credit to the county level

This April, state Rep. Bob Brooks, R-Murrysville, donated $16,000 of his state salary to fire departments in his 54th District.

Brooks wants to continue helping first responders with House Bill 1839, which would authorize counties to issue a property tax credit to active firefighters or emergency medical responders.

The bill builds on Act 172 of 2016, which authorized local towns and cities to adopt a property tax credit for first responders. Brooks’ legislation would expand Act 172 by giving the same option to county officials.

The bill is part of a “Heroes and Helpers” package of legislation aimed at two of the most pressing issues facing fire and ambulance companies: recruiting new members and retaining their talent.

More than 90% of the state’s 2,463 fire companies operate on a volunteer basis, according to Brooks, and between 1970 and the early 2000s, the total number of emergency responders in the state dropped to 68,000. By 2018, that number was cut nearly in half again, to 38,000.

“Recruitment and retention of volunteers in our emergency services community is vital, and our local companies are currently suffering from the lack of ability to recruit and maintain volunteers,” Brooks said.

The current local property tax credit allowance is up to 20% of an active volunteer’s tax liability. Brooks’ bill would increase the allowance to 100%.

“This common sense legislation is one way to say ‘thank you’ to our first responders for their tireless work to ensure our safety,” Brooks said.

House Bill 1839 passed with a unanimous vote Oct. 23. It is now up for consideration in the state Senate.