WASHINGTON, DC — Hearing Industries Association (HIA) staff visited Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) at his office on the Hill on April 8 to once again thank him for his attention to hearing health care issues, including the Hearing Aid Tax Credit (HR2329/S1410). The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) hosted a supper for the Congressman last November in his hometown of Midland, Mich, that was attended by 130 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLA) and Alexander Graham Bell Association (AG Bell) members. Camp, who may eventually become the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, told HIA he has had several constituents approach him since the supper and inquire about the progress of the Hearing Aid Tax Credit.

Accepting a plaque that commemorates the event, Camp again expressed how impressed he was by the large attendance and enthusiasm of his constituents. He also noted that he will hang the plaque in his Midland office where local visitors can see it.

In related news, Representatives Michelle Bachmann (R) and Keith Ellison (D), both of Minnesota, have also co-sponsored the Hearing Aid Tax Credit (HR 2329) bringing the Minnesota House delegation support level to 7 out of 8. The support of Bachmann and Ellison was garnered through both HIA and member efforts, highlighting the effect individual contacts play in advancing the tax credit. In addition, the Senate version of the Tax Credit Bill (S 1410) has been co-sponsored by Sen Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, bringing support to 77 House and 8 Senate co-sponsors.

Stabenow met with HLA Michigan activist Vic Krause to learn about the bill. Krause, who helped to organize the HLA event in Midland  served previously in the Michigan legislature with Rep Dave Camp.

Reps Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and Vernon Ehlers (R-Mich) reintroduced The Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act in May 2007. The Act will provide a tax credit, once every 5 years, of up to $500 toward the purchase of a hearing aid. The tax credit will be available to individuals age 55 or older and dependents of taxpayers. Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minn), who has been a champion of hearing health care legislation, sponsored the tax credit bill in the Senate.

To learn more about the Hearing Aid Tax Credit Bills, visit www.hearing.org/public. Additionally, the Better Hearing Institute will be launching a Web site in May to help support this important bill for people who have hearing impairment and need hearing aids.

SOURCE: HIA