Thank You, Representative Sanchez, For Giving Family Caregivers Much-Needed Support

The late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” In other words, caregiving touches us all.

Across the country, more than 48 million people are caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones. In California alone, 4.4 million individuals quietly shoulder this responsibility – managing medications, preparing meals, handling finances, providing emotional support, and so much more.

The cost of caregiving is steep. The average caregiver works about 20 hours every week without pay and spends $7,200 per year out of their own pocket to provide care. Despite these personal and financial challenges, they persevere – motivated by love, duty, and the desire to help their loved ones live with dignity.
It's time for policymakers to recognize and support this essential workforce.

That’s why the newly introduced bill called the Credit for Caring Act deserves immediate consideration in Congress. This bipartisan bill would provide up to a $5,000 annual tax credit for caregivers. Led in part by California’s own U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, the proposal offers real, tangible relief at a time when the cost of living continues to climb. It’s a smart, compassionate policy – and it’s broadly supported. In fact, recent polling found that 84% of voters support providing a tax credit for caregiving.

The timing couldn’t be better. This year, Congress is poised to consider a large tax package. Including the Credit for Caring Act in that package would be a powerful, bipartisan step toward easing the burden on millions of Americans. In a political climate where consensus is rare, caregiving is a unifying issue. Supporting family caregivers isn’t just good politics – it’s the right thing to do.

In a nation as prosperous and powerful as ours, no one should have to choose between caring for a loved one or keeping a roof over their head. Congress has the opportunity – and responsibility – to act. Thanks to leaders like Rep. Sanchez, there’s a clear path forward.

Caregivers show up for their loved ones every day. Now it’s time for Congress to show up for them.