Donating blood could give you a break on taxes under Rockford lawmaker’s new bill

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new measure introduced by state Rep. Maurice West looks to incentivize blood donation by providing donors a break on their taxes.

House Bill 1179, which West filed earlier this year, would provide a $250 credit to people who make four or more qualified blood donations per year. The credit also applies to blood platelets at nonprofit donation centers.

The bill has been assigned to the House Rules Committee. On Monday, West held a news conference at the Rock River Valley Blood Center, 418 N. Longwood St., to discuss the bill and promote blood donation.

“We are facing a public health crisis that is entirely preventable,” said West, who hit the milestone of a gallon total donated Monday. “Blood donations save lives every single day, and yet only a small fraction of those eligible are donating. House Bill 1179 is a way to not only recognize those who already give but to encourage more people to become regular donors. Together, we can build a culture of giving that supports our hospitals, our families and our future.”

Approximately 25,000 to 35,000 people in the state donated blood at least four times last year, according to the Association of Illinois Blood Banks. It estimates those numbers will increase to between 26,500 and 40,000 with the tax incentive in place. That means the credit could cost the state between $5.3 million and $8 million in tax revenue.

The state’s proposed budget is $129.4 billion, with $53.9 billion from the general operating fund.

West said lawmakers will spend the next three weeks in Springfield primarily focused on the state budget, and this proposal could move in conjunction with that.

“The top priority for us is to make sure we have a balanced budget by May 31, so where can this fit in to that balanced budget,” West said. “That’s where the conversations are going to start happening in the next three weeks.”

State Rep. Dave Vella said he backs the bill.

“I love this idea of saving lives and saving money at the same time,” he said at Monday’s news conference.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center has more than 17,000 active donors, and the average donation is 1.6 times per year, according to Lisa Entrikin, CEO of the RRVBC. She said about 2% of eligible donors in the Rockford region give blood. She hopes this incentive will help increase donations.

The center supplies blood to 14 regional hospitals and leaders say they’re in a constant need for donations in order to meet the needs of patients. Approximately one in seven hospital patients will require a blood transfusion, and about 25% of all donated blood supports cancer patients.

One blood donation can save up to three lives, according to the RRVBC.

Entrikin said if the measure passes Illinois would become the first state to incentivize frequent blood donation through tax breaks, although several other states have proposed bills.

“Nothing like this has ever been passed, so the fact that he is bringing this to Illinois and trying to get this passed we cannot thank him enough,” she said. “His leadership on this issue brings much-needed visibility to a crisis that impacts hospitals and patients across our region every day. We are grateful for his commitment to solutions that will not only increase donations but ultimately save lives.”

How to donate

People feeling healthy and well are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment at rrvbc.org, on the myRRVBC app, or by calling 815-965-8751.

Walk-ins are also welcome. There are donor centers at 418 N. Longwood St. and 3065 N. Perryville Road in Rockford and 461 E. South St. in Freeport.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas