AUGUSTA – The Maine Senate passed a bill last week that is designed to provide financial assistance to Mainers who are caring for the elderly, those with disabilities, and the terminally ill.

The bill LD 787, “An Act to Provide Tax Credits for Adult Day Care and Respite and Hospice Care,” passed by a unanimous vote.

Senator Tom Saviello (R-Franklin) added an amendment to the bill that clarifies that tax credits are to be used specifically for expenses paid for a dependent for adult day care, hospice services and respite care.

“This is a great piece of legislation for the people of Maine,” Senator Saviello said. “I would like to commend Representative Denise Harlow (D-Portland) for being the sponsor of this bill and the cosponsors.

“People who are caring for elderly parents and those with disabilities face enormous challenges, and the financial hurdles are among the biggest. Hopefully the tax breaks made possible by this bill will make their difficult road a little easier to navigate.”