Rep. Berkley noted that the tax credit would only cover a portion of the cost of hearing aid treatment, but she believes that it's important to "get our foot in the door" with this legislation and work to increase the amount of the credit in following years. Rep. Berkley was introduced by Nevada State Senator Terry Care who championed the state's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention legislation. The event was hosted by the Nevada Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Assn. for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell), a local volunteer organization that helps parents and people with hearing loss to adapt and thrive.
The meeting also attracted the attention of the Las Vegas Fox television affiliate which filmed an interview with Rep. Berkley. Local chapter of AG Bell along with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) have hosted similar events for Representatives in Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas to draw attention to the problems created by the lack of financial assistance for people who need hearing aids. The meeting was sponsored by the Hearing Industries Association (HIA). Arnie and Corrine Altman, co-presidents of the Nevada AG Bell chapter, organized the program, and their family helped with event logistics.
From left: Arnie Altman, AG Bell Nevada;Nevada State Senator Terry Care;Carole Rogin, HIA;Laura Richards, AG Bell Nevada;Rep. Shelley Berkley;Andy Bopp, HIA;and Corrine Altman, AG Bell Nevada
AG Bell Nevada children lead the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A capacity crowd of 120 filled the room to show their support of the bill.
