AL GORE: Proposes Long Term Care Package
Hoping to woo senior citizens and their adult children, Vice President Al Gore during a Florida stump speech yesterday, proposed a $3,000 tax credit to help defray the costs of long term care, such as home care, adult day care and respite services, the AP/Baltimore Sun reports. Gore also advocated a national program that would offer counseling and training to families caring for elderly relatives with chronic diseases or disabilities. "I believe we need to cut taxes to help families care for a loved one who is aging or has a disability," Gore said, adding, "Millions more Americans are facing the prospect of needing long term care or needing to provide care for a loved one."
The Bush Alternative
However, according to Dan Bartlett, a spokesperson for Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R), "The Clinton-Gore administration has talked about making long term care more affordable for more than six years and has failed to get it done. ... Gov. Bush will bring a new tone and leadership to Washington so that families can finally receive the long term care they've been promised." Bush has proposed an income tax deduction for anyone purchasing long term care insurance, except those already covered by employer plans (8/24).