West Central Reporter

Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) said that a $500 tax credit to emergency workers would help to alleviate the critical staffing shortage, especially in rural areas.

"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," said Sen. Tracy.

Senate Bill 3027 was introduced on Jan. 5, and has been referred to the House Rules Committee after having made it through the Senate. It would provide a $500 tax credit to EMS personnel or volunteer firefighters, but in order to qualify for the credit, they must have been working in the fire department for at least nine months and not receive above $10,000 as compensation in a taxable year for the services they provide.

"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 on Tracy's website. "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-Pontiac) has also shown his support for the bill. He said that the bill would be particularly helpful in rural areas that face staffing issues due to the non-affordability of 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."