House and Senate Champions Prepare to Reintroduce Hearing Aid Tax Credit

Representatives Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and Tom Latham (R-IA) and Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) are organizing Congressional hearing champions to reintroduce the Hearing Aid Tax Credit in the new Congress. Rep. Latham is the new Lead Republican Sponsor of the bill, replacing Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) who retired in December. Reps Latham and McCarthy have sent a letter to every Representative soliciting support, and reintroduction is likely in April. A coalition of hearing health organizations has also contacted every past co-sponsor and urged them to support reintroduction of the bill, while AARP has again endorsed the Senate version of the bill that provides coverage for people of all ages.

As part of efforts to champion passage of the tax credit, HIA is continuing to sponsor events held by local hearing health activists in support of tax credit champions in various states. Possible venues for events in 2011 include Portland, ME;the Chicago suburbs;Henderson, NV;and northern Iowa. Contact abopp@bostrom.com for more details, or if you want to help with one of these events.