Rep. Zawistowski Advocates for Tax Abatement for First Responders

HARTFORD – State Representative Tami Zawistowski (R-61) and State Senator John Kissel (R-7) joined East Granby First Selectman Jim Hayden and East Granby Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kerry Flaherty to advocate for proposed legation HB 5125 ‘An Act Increasing the Property Tax Abatement for Certain First Responders’ in the legislature’s Planning and Development Committee.

The proposal would allow towns to increase the property tax abatement available to volunteer firefighters and other first responders at a level higher than the current $1,000. This will be optional for towns and would enable them to both attract and do a little more for our dedicated volunteers.

“This bill offers municipalities an option – not a mandate – to increase tax abatements for volunteer firefighters. I first introduced this proposal last session after a conversation with Jim Hayden about volunteer recruitment,” said Rep. Zawistowski. “I’m glad to report that the bill has been approved to move forward to a committee vote in the very near future.”

In his testimony First Selectman Hayden commented, “Most communities, including East Granby, need additional firefighters and other first responders to maintain public safety. An increase in the tax abatement benefit will assist volunteer departments like ours with recruitment and retention along with recognizing the great service that our volunteers provide to their towns.”

To learn more or to track this legislation visit the General Assembly’s website at www.cga.ct.gov.