A new law takes effect this year that will have an impact in local communities. A law was signed last year that gives volunteer firefighters and emergency responders a $50 tax credit. Governor Branstad spoke with KNIA/KRLS News shortly after signing the bill into law. He says while he’d like to see a higher tax credit, it serve as an acknowledgement of the responders’ hard work. Pella Fire Chief Doug Van Gorkum says they don’t do it for pay or tax credits, they do it to give back to their communities. But he says its good to see the legislature acknowledging the service volunteer responders provide. Knoxville Rural Fire Chief Kenny Thompson says that they put in long hours and incur varying amounts of cost and a tax credit is step in the right direction.