I’m deeply committed to ensuring that the first responders who serve and protect our communities every day have access to the resources they need to maintain their physical and mental health. That’s why I filed HB1634, introducing the First Responder Qualified Wellness Expense Credit. If enacted, this bill would provide first responders with up to $250 annually in tax relief to help cover the cost of health and wellness programs like gym memberships, yoga classes, and self-defense training.
While I’m grateful for the bipartisan support this bill received, I’m disappointed that it wasn’t called further in committee before the deadline last week. Unfortunately, the majority party determines which bills are called and which are not, and many important bills, including HB1634, were left on the table. We had so much time earlier in the year for important bills like this to be called, but the majority party didn’t make it happen. The process was frustratingly inefficient. Initiatives that would better our lives never even got the chance to be heard. In the case of HB1634, this is a missed opportunity to support those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. Our first responders deserve better.
There’s still hope, though. I’ve had constructive conversations with my colleagues and stakeholders, and HB1634 could potentially be rolled into an omnibus package, giving it another chance to move forward. I won’t stop fighting for this bill so our first responders can have access to the resources they need to thrive.
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