Meredith files bill that would assist firefighters

 Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Brownsville (19th District) has filed a bill for the 2012 Regular Session that if passed would create a $1,000 refundable tax credit for any certified volunteer firefighter in the Commonwealth.

“As the son and brother of volunteer firefighters in my hometown of Brownsville, I know the great risk and the little reward those that volunteer to protect their neighbors receive,” said Rep. Meredith. “It is my hope that this proposal in some way is a thank you for those men and women who serve their communities and counties as volunteer firefighters, and reimburse them for a little of the cost they incur.”

Under Rep. Meredith’s bill, any volunteer firefighter who is certified by the Commission on Fire Protection Personnel Standards and Education would be eligible for a refundable tax credit of $1,000 beginning on Jan. 1, 2013.  Eligibility for the tax credit would be based on certification and that the individual must be a certified volunteer firefighter for the entire taxable year.

House Republican Representatives Sara Beth Gregory of Monticello and Jill York of Grayson are co-sponsors of Rep. Meredith’s proposal. The bill is filed as HB 193 for the 2012 Regular Session.