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Policy Advocacy Letter

Selected Healthcare Bill

Bill: - H.R.2085 — 119th Congress (2025-2026)

Title: - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit against tax for expenses for translational research regarding neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions.

Link: https://www.congress.gov/search?q=%7B%22source%22%3A%22all%22%7D

Importance of the Bill

Addressing Growing Healthcare Needs

Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, affect more than 7 million Americans, Florida with second highest Alzheimer's numbers (Better, 2023). They drain caregivers, families, and the healthcare system with prolonged, costly care. H.R.2085 pushes back with a policy that encourages translational research —translating lab breakthroughs into clinical practices—to accelerate treatment. To nurses, it translates to having a foundation in best practice evidence, the knowledge that will decrease trial-and-error practice, enhance patient outcomes, and decrease caregiver burnout.

Closing Mental Health Disparities

Psychiatric illnesses such as depression and anxiety tend to co-occur with neurodegenerative disorders, but stigma and underfunding at the systemic level are barriers. Florida's immigrant and aging populations, being diverse, are confronted with mental healthcare disparities. H.R.2085's tax credit would most effectively support research in underserved populations, which would be culturally responsive interventions. For instance, proof indicates community-based mental care lowers hospital readmission by 20-30% (Itellari,& Sifferd, 2024). This is compatible with nursing ethics in the pursuit of fostering well-rounded, patient-centered care.

Economic and Public Health Benefits

Neurodegenerative illnesses cost the United States more than $305 billion every year in medical care and lost productivity (George, & Bassett, 2022). Faster treatments would reduce Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurer long-term costs with H.R.2085. In Miami—a growing older city—this would reduce the burden on hospitals and local clinics, and nurses could put money into prevention.

Appropriate Leader for Advocacy

Legislator: Rep. María Elvira Salazar (FL-27)

Justification

· Committee Influence- Rep. Salazar is positioned to amplify H.R.2085’s impact since she is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and advocate for Miami-Dade’s healthcare priorities.

· Community Connection- Her district includes Miami’s diverse, aging population, where neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disparities are acute.

· Legislative Alignment- Although Rep. Salazar is not the sponsor of this particular bill, her support could galvanize bipartisan backing in the House and ensure the bill advances to the Senate.

Contact Information

· 305-668-2285 (Miami) or

· 202-225-3931 (Washington, D.C.)

Stakeholder Validation Tool Details

Community Member- Jane smith, a retired RN

Role- Oversaw care for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients.

Contact-(305) 555-1234

Key Insights from Discussion:

· Jane emphasized the lack of standardized protocols for managing neurodegenerative diseases, leading to inconsistent care.

· She noted that over 25% of her patients’ families experienced financial strain due to long-term care costs, underscoring the need for preventive research.

· Jane’s firsthand experience validates H.R.2085’s potential to reduce disparities and improve quality of life.

Compliance with Guidelines

· Pending Legislation: H.R.2085 is in the House Committee on Ways and Means (no final vote).

· Authority: Rep. Salazar can advocate for the bill’s advancement in the House.

· No Sponsor Contact: The bill’s sponsor (Rep. Mike Thompson, CA-4) is not your representative, so contacting Rep. Salazar aligns with assignment rules.

Personal Advocacy Perspective

As a Miami nurse, I see on a daily basis the difficulties of treating neurodegenerative disease patients. One such patient was a 72-year-old Cuban immigrant with Alzheimer's, who was having trouble receiving culturally sensitive care because of the language gap and a lack of research on Latino populations. Translational research as the focus of H.R.2085 would fill in these gaps, providing equal care for every community.

Call to Action

I urge Rep. Salazar to co-sponsor H.R.2085 and advocate for its swift passage. Through supporting this bill, she can champion policies that:

1. Help in improving patient outcomes and reducing caregiver strain.

2. Help address mental health disparities in Miami’s diverse communities.

3. Lower long-term healthcare costs for taxpayers.

References

Better, M. A. (2023). Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures.  Alzheimers Dement,  19(4), 1598-1695.

George, M., & Bassett, E. (2022). Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease in Adults in the United States.  Ballard Brief,  2022(3), 1.

Itellari, A., & Sifferd, K. (2024). Implications of Integrated Community-Oriented Approaches for Schizophrenia Treatment.  International Journal of Innovative Technology and Interdisciplinary Sciences,  7(4), 198-209.