Ernst presses Senate leadership to provide adult caregivers with additional funding support

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently requested that U.S. Senate leadership ensure adult caregivers receive the additional $500 direct payments provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and again called for inclusion of her bipartisan, bicameral bill to expand tax relief to them in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.

“As Congress works to provide further relief to Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I ask that you consider expanding relief for caregivers, who play a critical role in ensuring the safety of some of our nation’s most vulnerable individuals,” Sen. Ernst wrote in a May 26 letter sent to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Sen. Ernst noted that shortages for family caregivers existed prior to the onset of COVID-19, which has amplified “the critical work of caregivers who support the daily needs of those who may be at greater risk to this virus and who require greater support at home.”

Specifically, she wrote that caregivers would benefit from expanding the CARES Act Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) for adult dependents over the age of 16, and allowing them to utilize a non-refundable tax credit.

The CARES Act currently provides an additional $500 in relief to those receiving EIPs with dependents aged 16 or under, which many times unintentionally denies adult caregivers from receiving additional relief, according to Sen. Ernst’s letter.

“To help relieve the strain that caregivers are facing during this unprecedented crisis, I respectfully request that future relief legislation extends eligibility for the additional $500 in relief to adult dependents,” the senator wrote.

Sen. Ernst also urged McConnell to consider inclusion of the bipartisan, bicameral Credit for Caring Act of 2019, S. 1443/H.R. 2730, which she introduced in her chamber in May 2019 with lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO). U.S. Reps. Tom Reed (R-NY) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) introduced the same-named version in the U.S. House.

“I also encourage you to consider inclusion of my bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $3,000 to eligible family caregivers to help address the financial challenges of caregiving,” wrote Sen. Ernst. “This proposal has enjoyed bipartisan support during multiple sessions of Congress, and is even more urgently needed in the face of COVID-19.”