The state House Finance Committee approved legislation that would allow living organ donors to claim an income tax deduction of up to $12,000 for unreimbursed expenses associated with their donation, according to the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp..
“We must do all we can to help make the living organ donation process easier for all involved. Currently, businesses can receive a tax credit for providing paid leave to employees for the purpose of organ donation, but there is no tax benefit available to individuals who donate organs,” Haddock said. “Unfortunately, while an organ recipient’s health insurance covers the donor’s direct medical costs, donors can rack up bills in the thousands of dollars for related expenses. Providing financial support to donors will remove an obstacle to the living donation process. This is one way that state government can help those in need of a transplant as well as support the heroes among us who selflessly choose to give the gift of life.”
House Bill 422 would allow someone who is a living organ donor or whose dependent is a living organ donor to claim a state personal income tax deduction equal to the amount of unreimbursed expenses, up to $12,000, during the year in which the organ transplantation occurs. Eligible unreimbursed expenses would include travel expenses, lodging expenses, lost wages if an employer does not provide paid sick leave to organ donors and medical expenses not covered by insurance.
The deduction would be available to those who donate all or part of any of the following: liver, pancreas, kidney, lung, intestine or bone marrow.
It could only be claimed once during a taxpayer’s lifetime.
Haddock said 16 people in the United States die each day while waiting for a life-saving organ donation. More than 8,000 Pennsylvanians and their families are on the organ donation waiting list. Living organ donors are key to closing that gap, Haddock said, as at least 40% of kidneys for transplant worldwide come from living donors.
The bill moves to the full state House of Representatives for consideration.
Pugh introduces legislation addressing public benefits
State Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-120, Dallas Twp., introduced legislation that would address access to public benefits. This legislation stipulates that Pennsylvania’s public benefits are not to be provided to anyone unlawfully present in this country.
House Bill 931 would require individuals obtaining public benefits to show identification or provide a signed affidavit which indicates lawful residency in the Commonwealth. Any person who attempts to obtain benefits without the proper citizenship verification would be subject to a third-degree felony.
House Bill 931 was referred to the House Human Services Committee for consideration.
U.S. Service Academy nomination application portal for Class of 2030
US. Senator Dave McCormick announced that the application portal for Pennsylvanians interested in his nomination to one of the four U.S. service academies is scheduled to open on April 7. In addition to applying directly to their service academy of choice, applicants will also need to secure a nomination to be eligible for appointment to a U.S. service academy.
“As a combat veteran and a West Point graduate, I know how critical the Academy nomination process is to ensure our service academy cohorts are exceptional and battle-ready,” Senator McCormick said. “It is an extraordinary honor to be accepted to a service academy, and our rigorous process to select these appointees will reflect that. Attending West Point changed my life, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in the selection process for the next generation of outstanding military officers.”
Members of Congress are responsible for nominating candidates for appointment to four of the U.S. service academies — the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Candidates applying to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not need a congressional nomination for appointment.
More information about the application process will be available soon at https://www.mccormick.senate.gov/services/academy-nominations/.
CAPITOL DIGEST runs periodically in The Citizens’ Voice and features news about local lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
