WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Tedd Budd (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act to support volunteer drivers. Each year, volunteer drivers provide millions of rides for seniors and other non-drivers through churches, community organizations, and nonprofits, giving them access to health care, meals, and other essential services. This legislation would lower the financial burden that those volunteer drivers face by increasing the charitable mileage tax deduction rate for drivers from $0.14 to $0.655 per mile.
“Volunteer drivers are vital to rural communities across our state, helping seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and others access necessities like meals and health care,” said Klobuchar. “By increasing the charitable mileage tax deduction rate, this legislation will help reduce the financial burden on volunteer drivers and ensure they can continue to serve their communities.”
“Minnesota’s volunteer drivers are critical to communities across our state, helping provide access to food, medication, and transport to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities,” said Smith. “This legislation would increase the charitable mileage tax reimbursement rate and lower the financial burden for these volunteers. By more fairly compensating them for their services, we can ensure volunteers are able to continue helping the people who rely on them.”
“Volunteer drivers provide critical services to predominantly rural areas of our country. Seniors, veterans, and disabled citizens are able to access food and healthcare through the charitable work of others. Increasing the charitable mileage reimbursement rate will make it easier for volunteer drivers to continue giving of themselves and helping more people. Thank you to Senator Klobuchar for leading this vital legislation,” said Budd.
Companion legislation is led in the House of Representatives by Representatives Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN).
Klobuchar has long led efforts to support volunteers. Last year, she introduced legislation with Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) to support volunteer drivers and lower the financial burden that volunteer drivers face.
In April 2020, Klobuchar and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) led seven colleagues in introducing legislation to expand national service programs and boost compensation for volunteers.
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