Paralyzed Veterans of America "Deeply Disappointed" in New Tax Reform Plan

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today reacted to the new tax reform plan via a strongly worded letter to U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Neal, saying in part that the provisions will "eliminate important sections of the tax code that directly affect veterans and people with disabilities."  While the letter went on to say the organization appreciates the efforts to effect broader tax reform, it reiterated caution on several key issues it had laid out in a similar letter to the committee earlier this year.  

Citing serious concerns, including the repeal of medical expense deductions, work opportunity tax credits and credits for accessibility expenditures, Paralyzed Veterans Associate Executive Director of Government Relations Carl Blake today issued the following press statement:

"Only days away from Veterans Day, I cannot imagine a more disappointing message to the most catastrophically injured men and women who served our country than to hinder their financial independence, detrimentally affect their quality of life, or undermine the civil rights provided to them under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)," he stated.

"Nearly 300,000 veterans benefitted from The Work Opportunity Tax Credit between 2013 and 2015, the large majority of whom are veterans who have served during the War on Terror since September 11, 2001.  Additionally, the Disabled Access Credit is a vital tool in helping small businesses abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act," he continued. "I'm certain Congress doesn't wish to place further burdens on veterans and people with disabilities who face barriers to employment, impose financial hardships for medical expenses, or further compromise on outstanding compliance issues with our country's critical disability law. We urge policymakers to find a better balance that doesn't abandon our commitment to spinal cord injured veterans and all disabled Americans."

To request a copy of the full letter, contact Tracey Lynn Shifflett (TraceyS@pva.org; 202.416.7670).

About Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America