By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and towns to establish a program to reduce the property tax for volunteer, call or auxiliary firefighters and EMTs in exchange for their services. The reduction would be in addition to any other exemption or abatement to which the person is entitled but the measure limits the total reduction of property taxes for any individual to $2,500.

“This bill was filed to show appreciation and value for the sacrifice of volunteer firefighters and EMTs in many Massachusetts communities without full time fire departments,” said sponsor Rep. Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk).