http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/baby-lead-paint-s5.jpgLocal Lawmaker proposes a personal and corporate income tax credit for costs paid to eliminate a lead hazard in a residence.

MADISON – Representative Staush Gruszynski (D-Green Bay) recently unveiled legislation that would incentivize eliminating household lead hazards by creating a nonrefundable income tax credit. The bill, LRB-0892/1, was circulated for co-sponsorship shortly after Governor Evers signed an executive order creating a new Department of Health Services position to coordinate efforts aimed at reducing lead in drinking water and proclaimed August as ‘National Water Quality Month’ in Wisconsin.

“Enough is enough: every Wisconsin citizen should have access to clean, safe drinking water when they turn on their tap. Unfortunately, in 2019, lead contamination is still a health concern in communities across our state. Despite awareness of the dangers of lead pipes and paint, many citizens lack the financial resources to address this problem. This bill creates an incentive for property owners to permanently eliminate residential lead hazards. In addition to supporting continued progress toward addressing lead pipes in Green Bay, this legislation would assist owners of older homes who want to keep their kids safe by eliminating toxic lead paint,” Gruszynski said.

LRB-0892/1 would create a non-refundable income tax credit and a corporate income and franchise tax credit for costs paid to eliminate a lead hazard in a dwelling or residential condominium unit. Owners of a residence may claim a credit for all costs paid, up to $1,500 per dwelling unit, to eliminate a lead hazard in a residence. In order to receive the tax credit, owners of a residency must have a professional investigate the residence to determine that a lead hazard exists and then conduct lead hazard elimination activities that follow rules issued by the Department of Health Services. A professional must then issue a certificate or an official document stating that the lead hazard has been permanently removed.

Gruszynski is also a cosponsor of legislation that would increase bonding authority for the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to assist with lead service line replacement.