Volunteer first responders in New York will be eligible for a new local government-provided tax credit under a measure signed this month by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The bill, sponsored by Democratic Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, will offer a tax credit to volunteer firefighters and ambulance corps members.

Local governments can adopt a local law that would exempt up to 10% of assessed value for a primary home for volunteer first responders.

“This is a big win that will be celebrated by volunteer first responders especially when they are able to enjoy the savings on their property tax bill," Reichlin-Melnick said. "Volunteer first responders have served Rockland for more than a century and a half, and we must do everything we can to support those who serve today and provide tools to ensure the sustainability of volunteer companies for the future.”

State lawmakers, local government officials and volunteer organizations have pointed to the need to expand their ranks in the first responder organizations around New York. The hope is the tax credit offered by local governments could provide a boost to the organizations.

“The volunteer first responders who serve our community work hard every day to keep our communities safe, and this law will demonstrate our appreciation for their work," Zebrowski said. "It is also imperative that we work to ensure that our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps are able to effectively retain and recruit members. This law will go a long way towards ensuring that."