Albany, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, a known champion of volunteer firefighters, passed legislation last week to strengthen support and provide additional financial assistance for volunteer firefighters across the State. The bill, A.6790 (2026), will increase the volunteer firefighters’ and ambulance workers’ personal income tax credit from $200 to $800 for eligible individuals, and from $400 to $1600 for eligible married joint filers.

“I am proud to represent 5 volunteer fire companies in South Queens, all of whom have remarkably dedicated members who put their community and neighbors first. These are the men and women who run towards an emergency - they provide an invaluable service, and by passing this bill I’m standing up for them and their families,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “Putting more money in the pockets of our Vollies is a small way New York is saying thank you.”

Pheffer Amato has allocated millions of dollars to the 5 volunteer fire departments in the 23rd Assembly District, more than any other elected official representing Howard Beach, Broad Channel or the Rockaway Peninsula. This has included funding for the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department, Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department, Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department, and Rockaway Point Volunteer Fire Department. The funding the Assemblywoman has secured for the Vollies over the years has been used for the construction of two firehouses, the purchasing and use of new fire vehicles, and other capital improvements.