LANSING – State Representative Tom Cochran (D-Mason) saw his bill creating an income tax check-off for ALS of Michigan win approval in the House Tax Policy Committee today. House Bill 4085 will next move to the House floor for a vote. ALS, more popularly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a neuromuscular disease that affects a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.
“Those of us who know someone who has Lou Gehrig’s Disease understand what a struggle it is,” said Cochran. “Providing a check-off box on our state tax forms will help fund important services to support the individuals and families of those who have been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”
ALS of Michigan estimates that there are more than 1,000 Michiganders living with ALS and nearly 200 per year who are newly diagnosed with the disease. The disease generally strikes men and women between the ages of 40 and 75, but there are also people with the disease who are in their 20s and 30s. Cochran’s bill is part of a package that also creates a fund to distribute monies collected from the check-off.
“This money will fund important services and support groups offered by ALS of Michigan for family members who are often also caregivers,” said Cochran. “I look forward to working with my House colleagues on moving these bills through the Legislature and to the governor’s desk.”