LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed February 16 as National Caregivers Day in Michigan to honor millions of Michiganders who serve as caregivers both professionally and those who care for a family member.
"As someone who took care of my mom and newborn daughter at the same time, I know firsthand the amount of work and sacrifice that goes into family caregiving,” said Governor Whitmer. “On National Caregivers Day, we honor the Michiganders who dedicate their lives to caring for others and those who care for a family member while juggling their own lives. Since I took office, we have worked to support Michigan’s caregivers. This year, we’re going farther, with my proposed Caring for MI Family Tax Credit, which would save family caregivers up to $5,000 on their taxes. Let’s get it done to support those who sacrifice and work hard to care for those they love.”
National Caregivers Day was established in 2015 to recognize the efforts of healthcare professionals and caregivers nationwide. It’s a day to acknowledge the emotional and physical challenges caregivers face and to show our appreciation for their invaluable service.
In her recent budget proposal, Governor Whitmer introduced the Caring for MI Family Tax Credit which saves Michigan families up to $5,000 off their taxes. The proposal covers caregiving expenses including counseling, transportation, and nursing or respite services.
the full proclamation:
February 16, 2024: National Caregivers Day
February 16, 2024
WHEREAS, millions of Michiganders serve as dedicated caregivers, providing long-term, in-home, and hospice care, whether professionally or to family members in an unpaid capacity; and,
WHEREAS, caregivers deliver a variety of critical services with compassion and professionalism, ranging from personal care and healthcare coordination to complex medical and nursing tasks; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s unpaid family caregivers provide billions of dollars of care every year; and,
WHEREAS, while the opportunity to provide care to a loved one can be rewarding and a source of connection that is often taken on without hesitation, it often requires sacrifice. Thousands of Michiganders have sacrificed jobs and altered careers to perform caregiving duties; and,
WHEREAS, direct care workforce shortages result in more hours of care and higher-intensity care by family and other unpaid caregivers, who are often relatives but may also be friends, neighbors, and coworkers; and
WHEREAS, I, Gretchen Whitmer, am reaffirming Michigan’s commitment to supporting family caregivers by working to enact the Caring for MI Family Tax Credit, offering up to $5,000 in tax savings for those caring for an aging or sick relative to cover caregiving expenses including counseling, transportation, and nursing or respite services; and,
WHEREAS, resources for family caregivers are also available through support groups, toolkits, and workshops through Area Agencies on Aging, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, advocacy organizations, and community-based services; and,
WHEREAS, today, Michigan recognizes the innumerable contributions and personal sacrifices that both paid and unpaid caregivers make in service to the health and well-being of Michigan’s communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 16, 2024, as National Caregivers Day in Michigan.
###
