The Republican delegation of the Nassau County Legislature has proposed a local law that would give Nassau County volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians living within the county a 10 percent exemption on their property taxes.

"The protection that these dedicated men and women provided to the grateful residents of the county warrants such legislation," said Legislator Dennis Dunne. "Any member of the volunteer fire department or ambulance corps who has accrued more than 20 years of active service shall be granted the 10 percent exemption for the remainder of his or her life. Nassau County benefits greatly from the services they provide and this incentive is in recognition of their hard work.

"Our volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers work tirelessly without compensation and put their lives on the line to make our communities safe and to help their neighbors," said Dunne.

Nassau County Republican legislators have proposed an increased real property tax break for persons over the age of 65. These new qualifications for tax exemptions are in response to recently enacted state legislation. Legislator Dunne said the exemptions "will help to allow senior citizens to continue to live in Nassau County." This legislation will protect the most economically vulnerable segment of society. "Those on fixed incomes or living off of pensions will be able to breathe a little bit easier if this legislation passes," added Dunne. Senior residents with an annual income of under $21,500 will be in line for the greatest reduction, a full 50 percent of their assessed value will be exempt from taxation. This is an increase from the previous income level for tax-exempt status in Nassau County. By raising the income ceiling associated with the tax-exemption, this proposed legislation would allow more seniors to qualify for property tax reductions. "With the huge property tax increases to be approved by the Democrats in Nassau, we need to show compassion for those who could be forced to find affordable living arrangements outside of the county. We want seniors to continue to live and contribute to their communities," said Dunne. The breakdown of the exemptions, if the proposed legislation passes through the Nassau County Legislature, will be as follows:

Annual Income	Percent of Property Tax Exemption
Less than $21,500	50 percent
At least $21,500	but less than $22,500	45 percent
At least $22,500 but less than $23,500	40 percent
At least $23,500 but less than $24,500	35 percent
At least $24,500 but less than $25,400	30 percent
At least $25,400 but less than $26,300	25 percent
At least $26,300 but less than $27,200	20 percent
At least $27,200 but less than $28,100	15 percent
At least $28,100 but less than $29,000	10 percent
At least $29,000 but less than $29,900	5 percent