ENROLLED HOUSE
CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION NO. 1009 By: West (Tammy), Stark, Turner, Pfeiffer, Cantrell, Schreiber, Grego, George, Provenzano, Hardin, Eaves, Culver, Miller, Gise, Pittman, Fetgatter, Lawson, Moore, and Bashore of the House
and
Hall
of the Senate
A Concurrent Resolution urging
Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation to support the Credit for Caring Act for family
caregivers.
WHEREAS, family caregivers play a
vital role in supporting loved ones with long-term health needs, often bearing
significant financial and emotional burdens as they provide essential care; and
WHEREAS, the Credit for Caring Act
seeks to provide a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 annually to working
family caregivers, helping to offset the high costs of caregiving and
alleviating financial strain; and
WHEREAS, Oklahoma is home to an
estimated 490,000 family caregivers who collectively contribute over $6.6
billion in unpaid care, providing critical support that allows many older
Oklahomans to remain in his or her home rather than move to costly institutional
care facilities; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that a
significant number of family caregivers nationwide report spending an average
of more than $7,000 per year out-of-pocket on expenses for his or her loved
ones, including transportation, medical equipment, home modifications, in-home
care services, and respite care; and
WHEREAS, a large percentage of
Oklahoma family caregivers face similar financial challenges, as they are often
required to cover out-of-pocket costs for caregiving services while balancing
work and caregiving responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, without the contributions
of family caregivers, many older citizens would likely face higher costs
associated with institutionalized care, ultimately shifting the financial
burden to taxpayers and the state; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Legislature
has already demonstrated leadership by passing the nation's first comprehensive
state-based caregiver tax credit, recognizing the need for policy solutions
that support family caregivers; and
WHEREAS, because President Donald
Trump has expressed his support for family caregivers, and Oklahoma
Representative Tom Cole has co-sponsored the Credit for Caring Act, we urge our
Congressional Delegation to follow their lead by supporting the Credit for
Caring Act at the federal level.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
THAT we, the Oklahoma House of
Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate, call upon Oklahoma's Congressional
delegation to support and advocate for the passage of the Credit for Caring
Act, which would provide much-needed financial relief to the hardworking family
caregivers of Oklahoma and the nation, allowing them to continue their vital
work without sacrificing their financial well-being.
THAT a copy of this resolution be sent to members of Oklahoma's Congressional
delegation in Washington, D.C.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 14th day of April, 2025.
Presiding Officer of the House
of Representatives
Adopted by the Senate the 29th day of April, 2025.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office
of the Secretary of State this __________ day of ___________________,
20_______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By:
_________________________________