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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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ATKINS INTRODUCES TECHNOLOGY TAX CREDIT FOR INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING
MAPLEWOOD - State Representative Joe Atkins and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, joined residents and staff at Ecumen’s Lakeview Commons Senior Residence, to introduce a tax credit to help seniors and their families buy personal digital health technologies. These new technologies, such as home activity sensors, can find small health problems before they become too serious and allow seniors to maintain their independence longer.
"As people age, one of their greatest fears is losing their independence," said Representative Atkins, "We should be encouraging the use and development of this technology that enables seniors to live independently as long as possible." Atkins co-founded the bipartisan 2020 Conference, a group of legislators seeking to plan strategically for major demographic changes in Minnesota’s population.
The Senior Independent Living Tax Credit legislation, offers up to $1,000 in tax credits for technologies like QuietCare. This technology uses non-obtrusive sensors in a person’s home to gauge daily activity and ID small health problems before they become large ones. Data can be sent to a family member’s or caregiver’s BlackBerry or PC anywhere in the world.
"What we see is a tremendous opportunity to help people live how they want to live where they want to live by using the power of technology," added Kathy Bakkenist, Ecumen's Chief Operating Officer and Senior VP of Operations and Strategy. "I want to thank these legislators for their vision and commitment to helping Minnesota lead nationally in creating new ways to help people age well and live where they want to live."
The bill's first stop will likely be in the House Taxes Committee. Atkins, who sits on the panel, said he’s hopeful to have a hearing in the near future.
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