Griffo introducing legislation to help those on front line of coronavirus pandemic in New York

New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo R-I-C-Rome, announced today that he is introducing legislation that would create a state income tax exemption for medical professionals and first responders in New York who are combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar legislation was recently introduced in Congress that would provide for a federal income tax holiday for these individuals.

Those eligible under Deputy Minority Leader Griffo's proposed bill would be firefighters, emergency medical technicians, law enforcement personnel, doctors, nurses and other emergency and health care workers assisting with New York State's efforts during the current public health crisis. The tax holiday would apply for a period of four months, with an option for the commissioner of the state Department of Taxation and Finance to extend the law further in the event that the public health crisis continues beyond the current cutoff date.

“We are fighting an invisible enemy and our first responders and health care workers are on the front lines every day,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “They and their families, along with all essential employees, deserve our gratitude for their efforts and the work that they do during this challenging time. My bill is one way that we can say thank you to the men and women who get up every day and go about their daily routine despite a significant threat to their own well-being and that of their families.”