Illinois lawmakers propose $250 tax credit for regular blood donors

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A new bill under consideration in Springfield would give tax credits to blood donors.

House Bill 1179 would give a $250 income tax credit to anyone who donates blood four times a year.

Currently, only 3% of Illinois residents donate blood, with the average donor doing so less than twice a year.

Experts say that as the state’s population increases, there are not enough replacement donors to meet demand.

“Our health is the most important thing that we have. And we do not know what the future holds when it comes to our health. If you are in a position where you need blood, the last thing you need to hear is that we ran out,” said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford), who gave blood at a Rockford clinic on Monday.

If approved, the tax credits are estimated to cost the state up to $8 million a year.