There are nearly 100,000 volunteer firefighters in New York State. According to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, those volunteers provide service hours that save the citizens of the Empire State over $3.8 billion per year. It's difficult to quantify what those volunteers really saved those that they have served. Then there are the volunteer Ambulance & EMS workers, jobs so stressful their numbers are tumbling each year. In December, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill introduced by D-Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski and state D-Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick that may be a way of keeping those volunteers.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Back in November, the state announced a $200 per year tax credit for volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Now, this new law focuses on property tax relief. According to SIlives.com, the new law exempts up to 10% of assessed value for a primary home for volunteer first responders "in localities that adopt the new law." That is the key phrase. This is an opt-in program for counties and municipalities throughout the state. If the local government doesn't opt-in, then there is no property tax break.

Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

“Volunteer first responders put their lives on the line to support their fellow New Yorkers, and we are forever indebted to them for their heroism,” Hochul said when she signed the bill in December. “I’m proud to sign this new law that will allow communities to show their gratitude to these heroes.”

104.5 THE TEAM logo
Get our free mobile app
Getty Images
Getty Images
loading...

Gratitude is one thing but it is crucial that new volunteers are attracted to the pressure-filled job. D-Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski told silive.com. “It is also imperative that we work to ensure that our volunteer fire departments and ambulance corps are able to effectively retain and recruit members. This law will go a long way towards ensuring that.”

Stunning Queensbury Mansion Is The Ultimate Vacation Rental

Maybe a mansion vacation rental is your chance to live like the "Lifestyles of the RIch" and Famous." This Queensbury 9-acre estate features an 8-bedroom mansion with 5,667 square feet of living space for you and 15 other guests to enjoy that next getaway that is so close to Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and so much more. Or maybe with all the amenities below, you won't find a need to leave this stunning mansion getaway listed on New York Rental By Owner.

See The 10 New York Cities Most Likely To Have Ghost Or UFO Sightings

Over the last few years, the discussion of UFOs certainly become a less taboo and more mainstream topic. Even government officials seem to be acknowledging sightings more frequently. Throw in ghost sightings, and there is just a lot of crazy stuff we just cannot explain. It turns out, the state of New York is a hotbed for these "supernatural" sightings. Since these sightings have been recorded, these are the 10 New York cities with the most supernatural occurrences according to Great Lakes Stakes. Including 2 in the Capital Region!

The Capital Region Lost These Restaurants in 2022

From criminal charges, to health problems, to just moving on as life changes, here are some of the restaurants across the Capital Region that shut their doors in 2022.

More From 104.5 THE TEAM