Moving beyond state-level initiatives, the Oklahoma Senate has advocated for federal support by urging Oklahoma's congressional delegation to back legislation that would implement a federal tax credit for family caregivers. As reported by the Oklahoma Senate News, House Concurrent Resolution 1009, led by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, was formally adopted yesterday and calls for the Credit for Caring Act to gain momentum in Congress, a federal tax credit inspired by one from Oklahoma itself.
Two years back, the state's lawmakers passed the Caring for Caregivers Act which, providing a tax break up to $3,000, benefitted Oklahomans serving as caregivers for family members 62 years or older. Sen. Hall pointed out, echoing the sentiment of the resolution, "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," as obtained by the Oklahoma Senate News.
In Oklahoma alone, nearly 490,000 individuals are engaged as family caregivers. Caring for loved ones, these caregivers contribute an estimated $6.6 billion in unpaid care, crucial in keeping older adults in their homes and out of expensive residential facilities. However, family caregiving often comes serving with an average out-of-pocket expense of more than $7,000 yearly, covering items like medical supplies, home modifications, and transportation to the financial strain they bear.
Support for family caregivers has seen bipartisan recognition, with President Donald Trump expressing his backing and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, co-sponsoring the Credit for Caring Act. Upholding the resolution's aim in the Oklahoma House, Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, told the Oklahoma Senate News, "As more Americans step into this vital role, we must provide the support they need to help ensure they don't do this alone,” highlighting the critical, yet often unacknowledged, role of caregivers in supporting the aging population.
