HARRISBURG – Pediatric cancer research hospitals could benefit from up to $100 million in new private donations under a bill approved this week by the Senate, according to State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), who supported the measure.
Senate Bill 74 would create a tax credit program for qualifying donations made to a Pennsylvania pediatric cancer research hospital. Credits would be limited to $10 million per year over the next 10 years.
The credit would apply to qualifying donations made to:
- The Center for Childhood Research, Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania.
- Penn State Hershey Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.
- Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine.
- The UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
According to the American Cancer Society, more children die from cancer than any other disease. However, the National Cancer Institute spends just 4 percent of its research dollars on pediatric cancer.
“As a lawmaker, I am committed to protecting, helping and saving our children,” said Mastriano, who noted that since 1975, pediatric cancer incidence rates have increased annually. “The struggle that families face when their child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer is unimaginable. I am fighting for them in Harrisburg today, tomorrow and in the future and this important piece of legislation advances that commitment.”
Recently, the legislature has taken critical steps to support children and families, notably by promoting pediatric cancer research with the passage of Act 73 of 2018, and Act 39 of 2017.
Senate Bill 74 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer (717) 787-4651, spitzer@pasen.gov.