THE CREDIT FOR CARING ACT:
What You Need to Know
Background: On May 17, 2017, this bi-partisan proposed bill introduced in the U.S. House and Senate called the Credit for Caring Act, (S.1151/H.R. 2505) would amend the Internal Revenue Code to create a federal, nonrefundable tax credit of up to $3,000 for family caregivers who work while also financially help and assist in caring for their parents, spouses, children with disabilities or other loved ones. Introduced by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA), this bill is an important step toward supporting caregivers that work while caring for family members. AARP and other national organizations have endorsed the Credit for Caring Act. This bill would help defray some of the costs to family caregivers, 78 percent of whom use their own money to assist with caring for a loved one, and help ensure that they can continue working.
Issue: Today, over 40 million Americans provide long term assistance and care for adult loved ones today. Unpaid caregiver costs are estimated to be valued at a staggering $470 billion dollars annually (more than total Medicaid spending in 2013). In addition, an estimated 3.7 million family caregivers provide care to a child younger than 18 with a medical, behavioral or other condition or disability, and 6.5 million family caregivers assist both adults and children. Family caregivers as-sist with necessary daily life functions, including bathing and dressing, preparing meals, manag-ing medications, driving to appointments, and managing finances. (Source: AARP 2016 Survey Report)
What will the Bill Do?
- The Bill would give eligible family caregivers the opportunity to receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the qualified expenses above $2,000 paid to help a loved one, up to a maximum credit amount of $3,000 if the caregiver meets the following criteria:
- Is a spouse, adult child, parent or another relation named under the “dependent” definition
- Helps a loved one, of any age, who meets certain functional or cognitive limitations or other requirements, as certified by a licensed health care practitioner
- May or may not live with the loved one
- Have more than $7,500 in earned income for the taxable year, and
- Can document qualified expenses.
- Index certain dollar amounts and income levels to inflation
- Coordinate with other existing tax provisions to prevent double dipping, and
- Phase out at higher income levels.
Status of the Bill:
This bill was referred to the House, Ways and Means Committee.
What You Can Do:
- Attend a Town Hall in your congressional district
- Contact Your U.S. Senator and House Representatives at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov
U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
You can download a copy of this article here: Credit for caring Act.pdf
OTHER NEWS
FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH
This year, as our hearts fill with pride while we celebrate Black History Month, let us also remember to focus on our heart health. And not just on Valentines Day – the entire month of February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and certain minority groups face a greater risk than others. Deaths from heart disease are higher in Black Americans than in White Americans and other ethnic groups, and heart disease develops at a younger age in African Americans.
But, heart disease can often be prevented when people know their risks, make healthy choices and manage their medical conditions. So this month, learn the signs and symptoms and the steps you can take to make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones at https://www.goredforwomen.org
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
According to The American Cancer Society, “Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test for screening. But the death rate has not changed much over the last 15 years.” And several studies show that a disproportionate number of women that die each year from cervical cancer are Black women.
The American Cancer Society also stresses the importance of regular screening for the disease, emphasizing that, “Screening tests offer the best chance to have cervical cancer found early when successful treatment is likely.
I AM THE CHANGE FORUMS
The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. is taking its “Living Your Best Life At Every Age: I Am The Change” town hall on the road! Introduced with support from AARP at its 41st Annual Symposium in September 2018, the forum encourages participants to consider where they are and want to be from a financial, educational and health perspective, and to be a catalyst for change for themselves, their families, and communities.
;
JOIN US LIVE NOW for our 46th Annual Symposium moderated by @SymoneDSanders
Click the youtube link to join!
BWA 46th Annual Symposium Townhall
Live Stream opens at 8 am EST Live Program begins at 9am - 11am ESTModerated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, Host of...
youtube.com
Join @SymoneDSanders and @BWA3 live for BWA's Annual Symposium Townhall!
LIVESTREAM: Friday, September 22, 20203, @ 9 am EST.
https://youtube.com/live/X81rZZ65wd0?feature=share
#bwabettertogether #bwaiamthechange #bwainc
Today in #BlackHistory — Unbought and Unbossed, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black Presidential nominee.
She shattered the glass ceiling and I'm beyond proud to represent part of her district! I am because she was.
We fought hard for this because birth control is essential to our reproductive freedom.
This victory will empower folks to make decisions about their bodies & their futures.
Congress must now pass our bill to #FreeThePill & make OTC birth control free for all who need it.
📢 Tonight`s the Night! Join us for an Important Townhall Webinar!
Don’t miss @theblackwomensagendainc and a panel of distinguished experts discussing “I Am The Change: Vaccines For Your Best Health” 🌍.
This Town Hall will increase awareness of critical prevention, testing, and treatment resources for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
🗓️ Date: November 12th
🕣 Time: 8:30 pm ET
Let’s work together to stay informed and healthy. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C5pIyDF8Swmsayy8PiMT2Q
#RiskLessDoMore #VaccinesForYourBestHealth #IAmTheChange #BWAInc
You inspired. You encouraged. You remained steadfast.
We thank you being you.
"The fight for the ideals that reflect America at its best: Freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity. That is a fight I will never give up." - Vice President Kamala Harris, 2024 Presidential Candidate
Voting is still taking place in cities across the country. If you are in line, STAY IN LINE. You can cast your vote if you are in line before the polls close.
If you encounter any issues, please call the Voter Assistance Hotline immediately:
833-336-8683
#YourVoteMatters
#YourVoteIsYourVoice
We Are STRONGER Together! Every Woman in our country deserves to live freely and safely without fear of her health being criminalized.
As you prepare to go to the polls, remember the words shared here... I am one of them...
Your Vote is Your Voice. WE have the power to protect the rights of women in every community across OUR country!
#vote
The Polls Are Open on the East Coast!! The rest of the country is waking up and preparing to exercise their right to vote!
Save this Election Day Checklist as you head to to the polls.
Your safety is what is important. Voting is your right.
If you experience Election Day problems, report them immediately to:
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Call or text
#Vote
#EveryVoteCounts
#Election2024
© 2019 The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy