WV Farm Bureau Magazine January 2014 | Page 36

SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SQUADS Volunteer fire departments and emergency medical squads are the first line of defense in cases of fire, flood, and other emergencies. Well-trained and wellequipped personnel save lives and property. Farm Bureau recommends that the WV Legislature and county commissions continue to support volunteer fire departments and emergency medical squads, and to establish them where needed. WVFB supports a rate reduction in the rate per man hour that county volunteer fire departments, and county volunteer emergency medical squads must pay as workers compensation coverage on its volunteers, including, but not limited to, a reclassification that adjusts the rate based upon the service or activity said volunteer is performing. WVFB supports a West Virginia state income tax credit in the amount of $500 per year for any active volunteer serving in a county fire department or county volunteer emergency rescue squad. STATE POLICE SUPPORT WVFB supports legislation to provide support and protection for law enforcement officers and adequate State Police protection in all WV counties. WVFB recommends that state police training classes be scheduled annually. GAMBLING Farm Bureau urges our state lawmakers to reject any efforts to implement or expand casino gambling, slot machines, sports book gambling and other new forms of gambling into West Virginia. PROMOTING FARM TOURISM IN WV Farm Bureau supports farm tourism programs to increase farm income and provide urban dwellers the opportunity to spend their vacation in a restful, rural atmosphere. Landowners should receive a payment or tax credit for maintaining a restful atmosphere that attracts tourism to our state. registration, taxation or licensure of firearms. 