PITTSBURGH — With the number of volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania falling sharply, some lawmakers hope to raise the tax credits available to them to boost recruiting.

The state had just 72,000 volunteer firefighters in 2005, down from 300,000 in 1974.

John Reubi, a fire marshal in Ross, said he hears one question repeatedly as he tries to recruit new members: "What's in it for me?"

U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire, D-4th, hopes to push through a bill that would provide an annual federal $1,000 tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and emergency workers who serve for at least one year.

The bill, now in committee, comes after two similar bills have failed.

"This is a difficult year with the budget," Altmire said. "But I can't think of another group that deserves this more."

Others think there's no quick fix, and that a variety of incentives are needed to bring recruitment up to prior levels.

"We live in a materialistic society," said Michael Palcsey, president of the Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department. "People just don't want to work for free anymore."

Earlier this month, Gov. Ed Rendell signed a law that gives volunteer firefighters in the state a $100 tax credit.