LANSING- Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) said today that Senate approval of his resolution calling on Congress to enact the federal Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act is a step toward getting help for citizens who find it difficult to afford the hearing aids they so desperately need.

“This credit would go a long way toward making hearing aids more affordable for senior citizens and many of the most vulnerable individuals in our society,” said Senator Hunter.

The proposed federal act would provide a $500 income tax credit for the unreimbursed costs associated with the purchase of a qualified hearing aid. The credit would be limited to individuals over the age of 55 and to certain dependents. The credit could be claimed every five years.

“No one should be deprived of good hearing because of their finances,” said Senator Hunter. “This tax credit will make a significant difference in the lives of many American citizens, and it deserves to be passed into law without any further delay.”

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Sen. Hunter represents the 5th district, which is comprised of northwest Detroit, Dearborn and Inkster. He serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Banking & Financial Institutions and the Homeland Security & Emerging Technologies Committees. He is also a member of the Commerce & Tourism and the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform Committees.