LANSING – Check boxes for animal welfare, prostate cancer research and breast cancer research may be added to state income tax forms if a package of bills passes the Legislature.

Funds designated by check offs on income tax forms can generate $1 to $1.8 million a year in voluntary donations.

One proposed beneficiary is Amanda’s Fund for Breast Cancer Research, which would be created in the Department of Community Health (DCH) to promote breast cancer research.

The bills would let taxpayers check a box on their tax returns to donate part of their refunds.

Other programs that would reveive a check box on the forms are the Prostate Cancer Research Fund and the Animal Welfare Fund. The current campaign contribution option would continue.

In the case of breast cancer research, DCH could use the money to:

• Support development of a statewide breast cancer research plan.
• Provide information about the value of breast cancer research and early detection.
• Fund community education programs to raise awareness.

The money could also be used to match grants from the National Cancer Institute or federal government.

Senate fiscal analysts reported that DCH would likely see an increase in its administrative costs if the prostate and breast cancer options are chosen.

According to the report, additional staff would be needed to develop research plans, administer public education activities and review research proposals.

However, the bills could also bring a financial benefit to universities and health facilities that receive research grants according to the analysts.

The bill, drafted by Sen. Patty Birkholz, R- Saugatuck Township, was named for the senator’s friend Amanda Price or Holland. Price has survived three battles with breast cancer.

Burkholz and Sen. Buzz Thomas, D-Detroit, worked together to create the breast cancer and prostate cancer legislation.

“It is about saving the lives of Michigan residents,” Birkholz said.

She said she hopes that the checkoffs will be yearly reminders of important issues.

“We need to continue the fight breast cancer with mammograms and self-checks. We need to be aware of these issues and follow through with research and medical care.”

Similar bills were previously passed by the Legislature, but vetoed because Gov. John Engler wanted to keep the income tax form as one sheet of paper.

Terry Stanton of the the Department of Treasury said space restrictions in previous years limited space to only three options on the tax forms.           

Under the pending bills, a new page would be added to the individual income tax form, allowing space for all eligible funds.

Stanton said each fund checkoffs would remain listed unless it fails to receive $100,000 in a year for two consecutive years.

This year, taxpayers can check off boxes to contribute to the Military Relief Fund, Children’s Trust Fund and Children of Veterans Tuition Grant Program.