Illinois lawmakers joined with the state's fire officials Monday calling for inclusion of tax credit for volunteer firefighters in the state budget.  Officials praised the efforts of volunteers during the dust storm last week in Montgomery County.  Support for the Tax credit, most believe, would help alleviate the critical shortage of volunteer firefighters in Illinois.

State Senators Tom Bennett and Jason Plummer spoke out in favor of a $500 tax benefit to offset the costs of training and equipment.  The lawmers said the proposed income tax credit is one way to show our thanks to the thousands of volunteers who step up and leave their jobs and families to fight fires and to respond to other emergencies.

94.1 WGFA