Looney Organ Bill Passes

HARTFORD, CT – A bill allowing state employees a tax deduction of up to $10,000 and 30 days of paid leave if they donate an organ passed through the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee easily on Tuesday.

The bill, proposed by Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, D-New Haven, who earlier this year was the recipient of an organ donation, now heads to the House and Senate for possible votes.

In proposing the bill, Looney said, he “realizes the hardships faced by donors.”

“Those hardships include traveling, lodging, missed work and loss of income. Due to federal law it is illegal for donors to receive compensation for donating an organ. Seventeen states do offer a personal income tax deduction to offset the cost of donation. Connecticut should join the ranks as it is the right thing to do,’’ said Looney.

Looney, earlier this year received a kidney from his longtime friend, Judge Brian Fischer. Looney has suffered from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the neck and spine, since he was a teenager.

Every year, it is estimated that more than 120,000 Americans are in need of a kidney transplant.

By Jack Kramer
Correspondent