Response from Rep. Jill Tokuda
 Dear Mrs. Marques,Mahalo for contacting me to share your support for H.R. 7165, the Credit for Caring Act, of which I am a cosponsor. The thoughts and viewpoints of my constituents are important to me, and hearing from you helps me to be a better representative for our district here in Congress. Family caregivers in Hawai‘i and across the country play a critical role in the lives of their loved ones but often at a significant financial cost to themselves. According to 2021 data from AARP, the value of unpaid care provided by 154,000 family caregivers across Hawai‘i was $2.6 billion. Being a family caregiver is often a physically, emotionally, and financially demanding undertaking, which is why we must continue working to bring them much-needed relief. To increase support for family caregivers, the Credit for Caring Act would create a tax credit to help offset the costs of caregiving. This new tax credit would cover expenses such as adult day services, home modifications, transportation, a home care aide, and other supports to help caregivers and their loved ones. This bill has been referred to the House Committee on Way and Means. Although I am not a member of this committee, I will continue to be supportive of this important bipartisan bill as it advances through the legislative process. Please be assured I will keep your views in mind as Congress considers additional legislative efforts to expand access to home- and community-based services in Hawaiʻi and elsewhere. Thank you again for contacting my office and mahalo for your advocacy. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns. I also invite you to keep in touch with us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) at @RepJillTokuda and to subscribe to our e-newsletter here to get the latest information about my work for Hawai‘i’s Second Congressional District. Mahalo,  Jill N. TokudaUnited States Representative Second District of Hawaii |
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. 