Local Congressman Dave Loebsack and Republican colleague David McKinley of West Virginia have introduced legislation designed to help rural fire departments recruit and retain volunteers.
The bill creates a tax deduction for volunteer first-responders, allowing them to claim a portion of the value of the services they provide each year as a charitable donation. If signed into law, it’ll cover fire-fighting and prevention…emergency medical and ambulance services…civil air patrol…and emergency rescue services. A release from Loebsack’s office says more than 90% of Iowa firefighters are volunteers.
Loebsack has been named to the U-S House Energy & Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over energy, healthcare and trade policy…telelcommunications and the internet…environment and air quality…and consumer affairs and protection.
