18-05-2025
We need Rep. Gwen Moore's leadership on this life-saving kidney legislation
I made the decision to donate a kidney. I was healthy, able, and knew that a single act could save a life. I wasn't just giving someone a second chance; I was sending a message that we can all do something profound for one another.
Today, I'm writing to ask my representative, Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee, to cosponsor the End Kidney Deaths Act, and to raise awareness about legislation that could save tens of thousands of lives and billions of taxpayer dollars.
It's a commonsense, compassionate solution that aligns perfectly with Moore's deep commitment to families, fairness, and economic opportunity. This legislation must be included in this year's reconciliation package because saving lives should never be postponed.
Every year, thousands of Americans die while waiting for a kidney. From 2010 to 2021, more than 100,000 people died on the transplant list. Right now, there are about 90,000 more waiting. The vast majority are on dialysis, a grueling, costly treatment that drains lives and government resources alike. The federal government spends around $50 billion annually on dialysis care, or about $100,000 per patient per year.
Here in Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District, 2,072 people are currently on dialysis, and tragically, they die at a rate of 20% each year, meaning we're losing more than 410 lives annually right here at home. These deaths are largely preventable with timely kidney transplants.
The End Kidney Deaths Act would change that. It creates a 10-year pilot program offering a $10,000 refundable tax credit per year for five years to people who donate a kidney to a stranger — so-called non-directed donors. These donors are often the ones who spark kidney chains, helping not just one patient but many. The longest kidney chain in the U.S. included 114 recipients. Imagine the lives we could save if we made it easier for more people to donate?
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The reality is that kidney donors currently receive little to no support. The surgery, recovery, and time off work are real burdens. But the reward? In my experience, it's knowing that someone else is alive and thriving because of my gift. That feeling is priceless, but practical help for donors shouldn't be out of reach.
Moore has long fought for working families, women, and the voiceless. She has stood up for better healthcare, maternal support, and protections for the vulnerable. As a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and someone who has experienced the struggle and strength it takes to build a life against the odds, she is uniquely positioned to champion this legislation.
The End Kidney Deaths Act reflects the best of what we can do when policy meets empathy. It incentivizes life saving action in a way that is fiscally smart and morally right. Like firefighters and police officers, living kidney donors take real risks to save lives. It's time they were acknowledged and supported for their heroism.
Kidney donation is safe. It's brave. It's life-altering. And it's the key to ending an entirely preventable crisis in American healthcare.
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To me, donating a full organ, an actual part of me, should be considered tax deductible. Someone that writes a check to their local church, or donates in-kind goods from a corporation, receives tax consideration.
A person that instead of just writing a check, actually steps up and donates a life-saving organ, should receive a tax deduction to assist them with their financial planning and tax implications. It's a donation that changes lives.
We need Moore's voice, leadership and heart. Please join us by cosponsoring the End Kidney Deaths Act.
Let's make kidney failure the exception, not the rule.
Connie Bolle is a living kidney donor who lives in Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kidney bill could save thousands of lives, tax dollars | Opinion
