MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A bipartisan proposal backed by AARP would create a $1,000 income tax credit for family members in Wisconsin who give care to qualified disabled and elderly people in their homes.
The measure was unveiled Tuesday after a similar bill died last session.
Republican Sen. Patrick Testin says the $173 million cost was one reason why the proposal stalled last session. But he says that cost doesn’t take into account potential savings to Medicaid that caring for people at home longer provides
AARP lobbyist Helen Marks Dicks also says she expects the estimated cost of the tax credit to be less than before.
Also on Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers announced the creation of a task force on caregiving to look at finding ways to attract and retain a strong care workforce, improve the quality of caregiving and look at strategies to support families.
