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Panel hears personal accounts as lawmakers weigh tax credit, paid-spouse caregiving and workplace protections for family caregivers
Summary
Legislation (S.1938 / H.3159) to support unpaid family caregivers through a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace protections and permitting spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth drew emotional testimony from caregivers, providers and legislators about financial strain and caregiver fatigue.
Lawmakers heard detailed personal testimony and organizational support on Tuesday for legislation to provide recognition, financial support and legal protections to family caregivers across Massachusetts.
The bills before the Joint Committee on Revenue — Senate Bill 19-38 and House Bill 31-59, "an act supporting family caregivers" — would establish a refundable caregiver tax credit of up to $1,500 for qualifying caregiving expenses, create a respite voucher program for moderate-income caregivers, codify access to unemployment insurance for eligible caregivers who leave employment, extend paid caregiver eligibility to spouses under MassHealth, and create a permanent caregiving advisory council.
"This is a very large percentage of the Commonwealth," testified Jen Benson (testifying as an advocate),…
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