Charleston Leader

U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), along with U.S. Reps. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Mike Carey (R-Ohio), have reintroduced the Credit for Caring Act. This legislation aims to provide financial relief to eligible and working family caregivers by offering a federal tax credit of up to $5,000.

During a press conference held today, Senator Capito emphasized the importance of the bill in alleviating the financial burden faced by caregivers. She shared her personal experience of caring for her parents as they battled Alzheimer's and acknowledged the emotional and physical toll it takes on individuals and families. Senator Bennet echoed her sentiments, stating that family caregivers play a critical role in the lives of their loved ones, often at a significant financial cost to themselves.

The reintroduction of the Credit for Caring Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, including AARP. Jay Montgomery "Monty" Brown, a former family caregiver from West Virginia, expressed his gratitude for the legislation, highlighting the selflessness and dedication of caregivers who give their all for their loved ones. Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer of AARP, urged Congress to pass the bill in order to provide relief and support to caregivers.

According to the background information provided, there are over 48 million caregivers in the United States, with 250,000 in West Virginia alone. These caregivers provide approximately $600 billion in unpaid care each year, enabling their loved ones to live independently. However, the financial burden can be overwhelming, with families spending an average of $7,200 annually on out-of-pocket caregiving costs.

The Credit for Caring Act seeks to address this issue by creating a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for family caregivers. The credit will be adjusted for inflation and will apply to caregiving expenses exceeding $2,000. This legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) cosponsoring the bill.

The reintroduction of the Credit for Caring Act aims to provide much-needed support to family caregivers who are the backbone of the country's long-term care system. By offering financial relief, this legislation will enable caregivers to focus more on their loved ones and less on the financial strain they face.

The full text of the bill can be found [here](link).