March 28, 2024

Rep. McNamara, Sen. Felag join AARP in announcing introduction of Livable Home Tax Credit Act

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State House — Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Bristol, Tiverton, Warren) joined with representatives of AARP Rhode Island at the State House today to announce the introduction of the Rhode Island Livable Home Tax Credit Act.
The legislation (2017-H 5778/2017-S 0477) would provide a tax credit against the state’s personal income tax for taxpayers who purchase new residences or retrofit residences which meet or are modified to meet standards that make the residences more accessible for elderly and disabled persons.
“As Rhode Island’s population ages, it’s important for us to do what we can to ease the burden of those who have shouldered the burden all their lives,” said Representative McNamara. “From building our country to fighting our wars, senior citizens have made the investment in time, money and untiring devotion to their families, their employers and their country. The least we can do is to make things a little easier at tax time and by helping to accommodate their needs in their later years.”
The act is aimed at helping Rhode Island’s aging population stay safely in their homes longer rather than overburdening the state’s nursing homes, which costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year in Medicaid costs. With the state’s aging population rising each year, there is a distinct need for housing that is safe and adapted to the needs of the elderly.
“The elderly and disabled population in our state have specific needs within their homes that can unfortunately be extremely expensive for themselves and their caregivers. This tax credit would help alleviate the costs to keep our aging and disabled populations in their homes and communities while also saving the state’s taxpayers millions of dollars in nursing home Medicaid costs,” said Senator Felag.
The tax credit would apply for family members and caregivers who spend thousands of dollars out of pocket to care for and adapt existing homes for elderly family members. Adaptations to homes that would qualify pertain to fixes that would help reduce elderly falls within the home and other changes that would keep the elderly and disabled in their communities for longer periods of time.
“AARP works hard to support caregivers, and the family and loved ones they care for,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen Connell. “The General Assembly has a track record of sharing this responsibility and demonstrated its commitment with passage of Paid Family Leave and Uniform Guardianship legislation, the CARE Act, implemented just this month, and other key legislation. We believe the Livable Homes bill will win wide support among lawmakers and, upon passage, add to the Assembly’s legacy of helping caregivers and their families.
“A recent AARP Public Policy Institute study found that, nationally, 68 percent of family caregivers say they have to use their own money to help provide care to their relative. Some 39 percent said they feel financially strained,” Connell added. “As costs increase, we must continue to address this challenge. As we hope to demonstrate with this bill, when we work together we can make a difference for caregiver families.”
The House version of the bill is cosponsored by Representatives Julie Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter), Lauren H. Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport), Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick) and Joseph J. Solomon Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick)
The Senate version of the bill is cosponsored by Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick), Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence), Sen. Paul V. Jabour (D-Dist. 5, Providence) and Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence).

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