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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 1, 2019 01:01 PM
From:	Representative Michael H. Schlossberg
To:	All House members
Subject:	Ensuring Freedom for Pennsylvania's Aging Adults

Living an independent life is important for many aging adults. It allows freedom and security, offering the comfort that home provides. Pennsylvania has an obligation to support adults who want to remain independent and obtain health care in their homes instead of a nursing facility. The benefit of this healthy independence is reduced costs to seniors and their families. For some, however, there are significant obstacles, including out of pocket expenses and physical barriers. In the near future I will reintroduce two pieces of legislation to establish tax credits to help offset the financial burden of aging in place. There is a sense of urgency for these two pieces of legislation. A sizable demographic shift is underway, resulting in a higher percentage of older citizens across Pennsylvania. In addition to the demographic shift, consumer choice and public policy has moved toward a greater emphasis on extending independence by allowing seniors to live in their homes longer than was previously possible. These demographic, consumer and policy changes have not been without challenge. Based on projections, allowing a senior to live in the independence of home can save between 72% and 74% when compared to residence in a nursing facility. These are significant savings for Pennsylvanians. Your consideration of these proposals is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about either of these proposals, please contact Geoff Brace (gbrace@pahouse.net).

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Document #1

Description:

The first proposal would establish the Caregiver Tax Credit.  The tax credit would allow taxpayers who qualify for the federal dependent care credit to apply for a tax credit against their state income tax liability.  Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $40,000 will be eligible for a tax credit equivalent to 50 percent of their federal dependent care credit.  Those with an adjusted gross income of less than $20,000 will be eligible for credit equivalent to their full federal dependent care credit.  Currently, 23 other states have a similar tax credit in place.  This proposal was introduced as HB 495 in the 2017-2018 session.  The following members co-sponsored it: CHARLTON, BULLOCK, DONATUCCI, DRISCOLL, FREEMAN, LONGIETTI, MADDEN, McNEILL, NEILSON, O'BRIEN, ROEBUCK, ROZZI, SCHWEYER, SIMMONS, SOLOMON, DiGIROLAMO and SIMS

Document #2

Description:

The second proposal would establish the Livable Home Tax Credit.  The tax credit would allow taxpayers renovating or constructing a home in order to improve accessibility and provide universal visitability.  The tax credit for the year after it is enacted would not exceed $2,000 for a new residence or 50% of the amount expended (not to exceed $2,000) to complete renovations to an existing residence.  The tax credit would increase to $5,000 in the following year and would apply to the homeowner as well as to construction contractors who complete the building or renovation.  This proposal would cap the amount of credit awarded under this article at $1,000,000.  Pennsylvania would join Virginia in enacting this particular proposal.  This proposal was introduced as HB 496 in the 2017-2018 session.  The following members co-sponsored it: CHARLTON, BULLOCK, DONATUCCI, DRISCOLL, LONGIETTI, MADDEN, McNEILL, NEILSON, O'BRIEN, ROEBUCK, ROZZI, SCHWEYER, SIMMONS, BLOOM, MUSTIO, DiGIROLAMO, KORTZ and SIMS.