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Revenue Committee hears LB 115 to raise volunteer first‑responder tax credit to $1,000 amid recruitment concerns
Summary
Senator Beau Ballard introduced LB 115 to raise the Volunteer Emergency Responder refundable income tax credit from $250 to $1,000 and to let volunteers claim the credit in the tax year they qualify, prompting extensive proponent testimony about recruitment and retention challenges for volunteer fire and EMS services.
Senator Beau Ballard introduced LB 115 to the Revenue Committee seeking to raise the Volunteer Emergency Responder Incentive Act refundable income tax credit from $250 to $1,000 and to allow volunteers to claim the credit in the taxable year they qualify rather than after two years.
"Nebraska's cities, villages, and counties cannot afford the cost of maintaining their current level of volunteer emergency services without the presence of a local pool of committed and dedicated volunteers," Ballard said in his opening remarks. He cited recent wildfire and tornado responses and the strain placed on volunteer fire and EMS rosters.
Dozens of volunteers, chiefs and association representatives testified in favor. Kenny Krause of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters…
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