Wisconsin First to Give $10,000 Tax Deduction to Living Donors

Wisconsin has become the first state in the nation to enact a law giving living organ donors a $10,000 tax deduction for certain expenses related to their donations.

Gov. Jim Doyle signed the bill that allows Wisconsin donors to claim the deduction for surgery-related transportation, lodging and lost wages after donating organs or partial organs, including the liver, pancreas, kidney, intestine, or lung.

"This ensures that people who are donating so much to help others will not have to suffer financial hardship as they recover from surgery," said Doyle. "Most importantly, it will save lives by making more organs and tissue available to those who need them."

Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton), who introduced the legislation, said similar bills have been introduced by state legislators in New York and Indiana.

Other Sources: Wisconsin Media