On Thursday Rep. Cameron Cooper (R — Romance) and Family Council’s Charisse Dean presented H.B. 1404 in the House Revenue and Tax Committee.
This good bill creates a state income tax credit for donations to pregnancy help organizations — such as pregnancy resource centers and similar charities.
Many of these charities provide everything from ultrasounds and pregnancy tests to maternity clothes and adoption referrals — typically free of charge. They often operate on very tight budgets and rely heavily on volunteers and donations.
Under H.B. 1404, taxpayers could receive a 50% income tax credit for contributions to qualified pregnancy help organizations.
The bill would not provide a tax credit for donations to abortionists or their affiliates.
Now that Roe v. Wade has been reversed and Arkansas has prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother, we need to step up and help women with unplanned pregnancies.
Supporting pregnancy help organizations is part of our long term strategy to reduce the demand for abortion in Arkansas.
The House Revenue and Tax Committee has not voted on H.B. 1404 yet, but they have heard testimony regarding the bill. You can watch some of Rep. Cooper’s comments below.
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Pregnancy-Help Organizations Have Received $994K in State Grants This Budget Cycle
State of Arkansas Accepting Grant Applications from Pregnancy Help Organizations
Arkansas Finishes Awarding $1M to Pregnancy Help Organizations for FY 2024