House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would incentivize businesses to place Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs in buildings throughout the Commonwealth, thereby increasing accessibility to these lifesaving machines when they are needed most. 
 

The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that over 350,000 non-hospital cardiac arrest incidents occur within the United States each year, of which more than 100,000 are outside the home. Less than half of these victims receive the immediate help needed in the critical moments before emergency responders arrive. These critical moments are when an AED is most valuable in increasing the chance of survival for cardiac arrest victims. This is because AEDs have the invaluable ability to reinstate a normal heart rhythm after a heart unexpectedly stops beating. 
 

While in recent years, the general public has gained more widespread knowledge about and access to AEDs and CPR, more can still be done. Cardiac arrest can strike at any time and in any place, and in response, Pennsylvania should take steps to increase access to these life saving devices. 
 

Under my legislation, a business that purchases AEDs to be placed in their privately or publicly accessible buildings throughout the Commonwealth, may apply to the Department of Revenue for a tax credit equal to the value of AEDs purchased (not to exceed $500 per unit), up to a total tax credit of $5,000 in a single taxable year.  
 

This legislation is an opportunity to expand the availability of AEDs to the citizens of our Commonwealth, ensuring timely access to necessary medical equipment in the most dire of circumstances. I therefore respectfully ask for your consideration to join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation.