Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York's 24th District has introduced the No Tax on LOSAP Act. This legislation aims to increase the federal tax-exempt threshold for Length of Service Award Payments (LOSAP) from $600 to $12,000 annually. The act is supported by Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Tom Suozzi, Mike Lawler, and Laura Gillen.

LOSAP awards are given to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in New York State and are already tax-exempt at the state level. Each volunteer receives $20 per month for each year of service. The proposed increase in the federal exemption is intended to enhance retention and compensation for these volunteers.

Congresswoman Tenney has been an advocate for volunteer firefighters in her district. Last year, she organized five roundtable discussions with them across five counties. She also co-sponsored the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act to improve access to federal housing assistance programs for volunteer emergency responders.

"Volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers are essential for the safety and well-being of our rural communities," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The No Tax on LOSAP Act will raise the tax-exemption threshold to recognize their service and encourage more volunteers to join."

John D’Alessandro, Association Secretary of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, commented on the importance of this legislation: "Exempting LOSAP payments from Federal income tax would be a strong incentive in recruiting and retaining volunteer first responders."