The Oklahoma House approved a bill to provide pregnancy centers with a tax credit
House Democrats Express Concerns About Religious Influence and a Lack of Medical Oversight
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has approved House Bill 1788, a bill that would temporarily create an income tax credit for gifts made to pregnancy resource centers, by a split vote. Supported by Representative Cody Maynard, the bill highlights the vital role that these centers play in preserving human life and proposes to provide a 70% tax credit on donations made to them until 2028. House Democrats, on the other hand, are vehemently against the plan, citing worries about the lack of medical care offered by some pregnancy centers and the possibility of government funds going to unregulated private religious organizations. Leaders in the Democratic Party, such as Representatives Cyndi Munson and Meloyde Blancett, contend that the bill may force women to choose between getting necessary medical care and navigating dubious clinics that promote religious agendas.
The Oklahoma House approved a bill to provide pregnancy centers with a tax credit (PHOTO: www.okhouse.gov)
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With conflicting views and an uncertain future, HB 1788 moves forward to the Senate
According to Smart News, HB 1788 passed the House by a vote of 76–18, advancing it for future consideration in the Senate despite a contentious discussion. Once the bill passes the Senate, it will move on to the next round of voting. The bill sets the total amount claimed at $5 million annually and limits the tax credit to $50,000 for each person. While the bill makes its way through the parliamentary process, its future is still unknown due to the strong animosity between senators who support women’s reproductive rights and those who emphasize support for religious nonprofits.
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