1. United States
2. Ga.
3. Letter

Subject: Proposal for Additional Tax Write-Offs for Families with Special Needs Children I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing issue that affects many families in our community and across the nation. As a concerned citizen and advocate for families with special needs children, I propose the introduction of a bill that would provide additional tax write-offs to assist in offsetting the significant expenses associated with raising a child with special needs. I am a mother of a child with special needs. And providing treatment, education and therapy is costly. This year alone we spent close to $4000 on therapy and that doesn’t include specialized education and camp. I have applied to Katie Beckett however its still not enough to support our family. We were denied SSI because we make too much and we were denied the COMP Waiver. According to Autism Speaks, the average lifetime cost of supporting an individual with autism ranges between $1.4 million and $2.4 million, depending on the presence of intellectual disabilities. These costs include medical expenses, behavioral therapy, specialized educational services, and other essential needs. For many families, these financial burdens can be overwhelming, creating significant stress and financial strain. Key Points of the Proposed Bill: 1. Increased Tax Write-Offs: o Introduce an additional tax deduction or credit specifically for families with children who have special needs. This could include covering costs for medical care, therapy, educational expenses, and other related services. 2. Eligibility Criteria: o The tax write-off should be available to families with children diagnosed with a range of special needs, including autism, intellectual disabilities, and other significant conditions as recognized by medical professionals. Rationale and Impact: Families with special needs children often face extraordinary financial challenges that go beyond what is typically covered by standard insurance or government programs. By providing additional tax relief, this bill would ease the financial burden on these families, allowing them to focus more on their child’s well-being and development rather than financial concerns. The proposed tax write-off aligns with our values of supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to provide the best care for their loved ones. It would also represent a significant step towards equity and inclusion for families navigating the complexities of special needs care. I respectfully request your support in championing this proposal. By advocating for this bill, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless families who are working tirelessly to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for their special needs children.