Oklahoma Senate Urges Federal Support for Family Caregivers Tax Credit

Proposed Federal Program Mirrors Oklahoma’s First-of-its-Kind Tax Credit

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday urged Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to support legislation that would create a federal tax credit for family caregivers.

Led by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, the Senate formally adopted House Concurrent Resolution 1009, which encourages federal support for the Credit for Caring Act. This federal tax credit proposed by an Ohio congressman is modeled after a first-of-its-kind program started in Oklahoma.

Two years ago, the Oklahoma Legislature passed the Caring for Caregivers Act, which created a tax credit of up to $3,000 for Oklahomans who serve as caregivers for a family member who is 62 years of age or older.

“The Credit for Caring Act is a chance for Congress to follow Oklahoma’s lead and provide meaningful financial relief to hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans and millions of Americans who care for aging loved ones,” Hall said. “Oklahoma showed what’s possible with our groundbreaking tax credit. Now it’s time for the federal government to step up and ease the financial strain on caregivers across the country.”

Nearly 490,000 Oklahomans serve as family caregivers, providing an estimated $6.6 billion in unpaid care that helps older adults remain in their homes and out of costly residential facilities. However, family caregiving often comes at a personal cost. On average, caregivers nationwide report spending more than $7,000 out of pocket each year on medical supplies, home modifications, transportation and in-home care to support an elderly relative.

President Donald Trump has expressed support for family caregivers and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole has signed on as a cosponsor of the Credit for Caring Act. 

Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, is the House author of HCR 1009.

"As more Americans step into this vital role, we must provide the support they need to help ensure they don't do this alone,” West said. “These caregivers quietly carry this responsibility, and it's time the federal government offers them the same meaningful support we've provided here in Oklahoma."

A copy of HCR 1009 will be sent to members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation.

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For more information, contact Sen. Chuck Hall at (405) 521-2628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov