Dear Editor:
The Wounded Warrior Caregiver Relief Act (S750) awaits the Governor’s signature, and the deadline is May 11th. If Governor Christie does not sign this bill by this date, it will be a lost opportunity to honor the struggles many of our veterans and their families face when they come home.
The fact is, caregivers support their families with all the love in the world, but they could use some help themselves. In addition to the vast amounts of time they spend as caregivers, according to a recent AARP report, many caregivers spend as much as $7,000 out of their own pockets each year to care for their loved ones. And without our army of unpaid family caregivers, our healthcare system would collapse.
This Wounded Warrior Caregiver Relief Act would provide a modest state income tax credit for eligible, unpaid family caregivers, providing critical support for our Wounded Warriors who served in the military on or after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
We all must do our part to support our veterans. AARP urges Governor Christie to do his part now us by signing this bill into law.
Signed,
Jeff Abramo
Director of Communications and Engagement
AARP New Jersey
