Lawmakers hear broad support for family caregiver tax credit as way to help families keep elders at home

Advocates, AARP volunteers and legislators told the Aging Committee SB 285—creating a family caregiver tax credit—would provide targeted financial relief to the unpaid family caregivers who form the backbone of the state's long‑term care system.

Senator Gordon, a sponsor, described his personal experience caring for an elderly parent and said the credit is a modest, pragmatic step to reimburse families who reduce work hours or incur out‑of‑pocket costs while providing care. Multiple witnesses—including representatives of AARP, Area Agencies on Aging and faith‑based volunteers—described caregiver expenses ranging from home modifications to transportation and frequent medical visits.

Committee members probed eligibility rules (immediate family vs. extended family; grandparents raising grandchildren), the credit amount (the bill contemplates up to $2,000), potential impacts on low‑income caregivers on fixed incomes, and the fiscal note. Witnesses suggested design options—income caps, refundable vs. nonrefundable structure, or combining modest direct payments with a tax credit—to better reach caregivers on fixed incomes.

Several members noted additional policy complements such as social security crediting for caregiving and supports through area agencies on aging and Choices/SHIP programs for counseling. The committee asked advocates for sample designs and cost estimates before drafting amendments.