DOVER — Senator Nicole Poore, along with House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst and Senator Jack Walsh, filed legislation Wednesday that creates a tax credit for union members paying annual dues to their labor organization.
“Our unions have long been the driving force behind competitive wages, good benefits, and protections for everyday workers. Unions provide a clear pathway for young workers to not just find a job, but to get started on a meaningful career,” said Sen. Poore. “This legislation removes a barrier to union participation by providing annual tax relief to the hardworking Delawareans who choose to join their local labor organization and reap the benefits of union membership.”
Senate Bill 72, will allow those who are active members of a labor organization to claim a nonrefundable tax credit to defray the annual cost of labor union dues up to the value of $500 per year.
“Labor unions are the backbone of middle-class workers, ensuring that millions of Americans are protected in their jobs and paid fairly for their work. For years, union members enjoyed a federal tax credit for the dues they paid into those organizations,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. “With that credit being eliminated several years ago, the least we can do as a state is offer that same credit to Delaware union members on their state taxes. It’s a small but meaningful way to recognize the importance of professional memberships and the benefits they bring to all workers.”
Senate Bill 72 complements earlier efforts of the 152nd General Assembly to diversify Delaware’s workforce. “In January, the Senate passed my legislation, which — among other things — aimed to diversify the pool of workers on public works projects by creating a pilot program for community workforce agreements,” said Sen. Walsh. “Between launching the CWA pilot program and the tax relief that will come from SB 72, we are creating innovative, inclusive ways to increase union participation here in Delaware.”
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