Huizenga’s new bill would give first responders a tax break

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) recently introduced legislation that would provide certain qualified first responders who are helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic with federal income tax relief.

Rep. Huizenga on April 3 sponsored the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations (HEROES) Act of 2020, H.R. 6433, which would provide a four-month federal income tax holiday for medical professionals and first responders in counties with at least one positive COVID-19 patient, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.

The income tax exclusion would apply to professionals including law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, hospital and licensed medical facility support staff, and senior care facility staff during the coronavirus outbreak, according to the summary.

“Medical professionals and first responders across America are serving on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus.” Rep. Huizenga said. “The HEROES Act provides a way for the federal government to say thank you for the courage, dedication, and care given by these individuals in the face of the unprecedented threat posed by the coronavirus.”

H.R. 6433 is modeled after an exemption for military members serving in U.S. Department of Defense combat zones who don’t have to pay federal tax on their incomes.

If enacted, H.R. 6433 also would authorize the U.S. Treasury Secretary to extend the tax holiday for up to an additional three months, according to Rep. Huizenga’s bill summary.

The bill has been referred to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for consideration.