“There has been a lot of misinformation about my recent vote on a motion to discharge legislation that would provide new tax credits to volunteer firefighters and volunteer ambulance corps workers (A.1064). Despite what some have portrayed this vote as, this vote was not on a piece of legislation. It was a vote to bypass the standard Assembly committee procedure to force a vote on the floor. I do not, and have never, supported bypassing the normal legislative process to bring legislation to the floor. These motions are often used to deceive the public into thinking their representatives don’t support certain legislation.

“In March, after speaking to a local volunteer firefighter in Colonie, I introduced legislation that would increase the property tax deduction for volunteer firefighters and EMS from 10% to 20% (A10613). This property tax deduction was first established in 1999. While this deduction can go a long way to help volunteer firefighters, the 10% deduction is extremely outdated. Increasing the property tax exemption will help our local volunteer fire companies address the recruitment crisis they are facing. I also carry legislation that would increase the permanent and temporary disability benefits from $600 a week to $900 a week (A1849). These are both commonsense measures to ensure our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers receive the benefits they deserve.

“I have also worked to secure funding for the area firefighters, such as $250,000 to the Boght Community Fire District to purchase a new fire boat, $125,000 to Niskayuna Fire District No.1 for interior and exterior renovations at the fire house and $250,000 to the Town of Colonie to purchase a fully equipped ambulance (CREST 2025, SAM 2018, SAM 2019). I also secured $125,000 for the City of Schenectady Fire Department to purchase a newly equipped fire engine, $250,000 to make campus and fire tower improvements to the City of Schenectady Fire Training Center and $650,000 for the Town of Colonie to purchase new emergency equipment (CREST 2023, SAM 2016, NYCAP).

“This funding also includes $675,000 to the Town of Colonie Municipal Training Center for building improvements and to purchase a new fire tower and an auto fire simulator and $350,000 to the Town’s Police Department to purchase new radios (CREST 2023, NYCAP). I also secured $100,000 for exterior improvements to the Town of Guilderland Fire Training Center, $75,000 for the Town of Guilderland Ambulance Squad to improve ambulances and $25,000 to the Village of Menands Police Department to purchase equipment for the Joint Services Rapid Deployment Squad, totaling over $3 million (CREST 2024, PP 2025, PP 2024).

“As session nears its end, I will continue to prioritize legislation and grant funding that will help our first responders when done the right way. I have and always will vote against motions to discharge since it is not fair for a member to attempt to bypass the committee process to force a vote on their bill. We must always support our local heroes, but legislation to do this needs to be done the right way.