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tax relief

Hawley and other Assembly lawmakers unveil tax relief bill for volunteer first responders

By Billie Owens
Video Sponsor
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Submitted photo, press release and video:

In support of National EMS Week, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) joined Assembly Minority colleagues at a press conference held by Assemblyman Chris Tague (R,C,I,Ref-Schoharie) today in Albany to unveil legislation that would exempt volunteer firefighters and EMS workers from state income taxes (A.7655).

Hawley, a veteran and longtime member of the Assembly’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has introduced similar legislation to provide tax relief for active duty service members (A.1956).

“The upcoming Memorial Day weekend is just one example where volunteer firefighters and EMS will be working around the clock, spending precious time away from their families, to protect our community in the face of dangerous situations,” Hawley said.

“Sadly, more and more volunteer fire companies are being forced to close their doors, leaving their neighbors without the precious services they provide and we need to do something about it. These dedicated and brave individuals deserve our help and I implore Assembly leadership and our colleagues in the Majority to join us in getting this passed before session adjourns next month."

To be eligible for the state income tax exemption, a volunteer must:

  • Be in good standing;
  • Have a minimum year of service with the fire department;
  • Be certified by the Chief Emergency Service Coordinator of their county;
  • Attend at least 55 percent of department activities.

Ranzenhofer announces proposal to lower tax rate for Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) announced today that the Executive Budget proposes a lower tax rate for Batavia Downs. The proposal would provide $1.4 million in tax relief.
 
“The Executive Budget Proposal (EBP) is a first step to leveling the tax playing field for Batavia Downs," Ranzenhofer said. "Lowering the tax rate will make the local facility more competitive and ensure a fairer share of dollars are returned to taxpayers through our local governments.
 
"I will continue to advocate for establishing tax parity between Batavia Downs and other gaming facilities across the state."
 
The Executive Budget also eliminates mandated spending levels of 10 percent for marketing expenses and 4 percent for capital improvements. Under existing state law, the oldest nighttime harness track in the country pays one of the highest effective tax rates among gaming centers in the region.
 
In January, Senator Ranzenhofer introduced legislation (S7397) in the State Senate that would lower Batavia Down’s taxes paid to New York State by increasing the facility’s portion of net winnings from 35 percent to 41 percent. If enacted, the act would take effect on April 1, 2019.
 
Gaming Operation
  • Batavia Downs  -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 35

                                         EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 37

  • Vernon Downs -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41

                                       EBP: Portion of New Winnings (percent) = 42

  • Hamburg Gaming -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41

                                            EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 42

About Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs Gaming, operated by WROTB, is a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. WROTB is a public benefit corporation – owned by 15 Western New York counties, including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming, as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo. Since its inception, WROTB has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in operating and surcharge revenues to the residents of those participating municipalities.

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