HARRISBURG – A bill introduced by PA Senator Scott Martin (R-13) to expand cancer research funding was approved by the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives.
“During the next 10 years, we could raise up to $100 million in private donations to support childhood cancer research,” Senator Martin said. “I am grateful for the support from the members of the House Finance Committee and especially from committee Chairman Michael Peifer for bringing the bill up for consideration so quickly.”
Senate Bill 74 would create a tax credit program for qualifying donations to a Pennsylvania pediatric cancer research hospital. The program would be capped at $10 million per year over the next 10 years.
“A cancer diagnosis is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Senator Martin said. “Providing the opportunity for additional private funding for research gives each of us the opportunity to support these cancer warriors in their fight.”
Martin authored a law in 2018 that allows Pennsylvanians to donate $5 to the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund when electronically renewing a driver’s license, photo identification card or vehicle registration, in addition to a law that makes telepresence technology available to help homebound students participate in classroom activities and learning with their peers.
According to the American Cancer Society, more children die from cancer than any other disease. Currently, the National Cancer Institute spends less than 4 percent of its research dollars on pediatric cancer.
The bill will now go to the full House for consideration.
CONTACT: Terry Trego