Healthy Food Access Tax Credit Act; enact
If enacted, HB 21 is anticipated to stimulate investment in underprivileged communities by incentivizing the establishment of grocery and convenience stores. This could improve the overall public health of residents in those areas by increasing the availability of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food choices. The provision for carry-forward tax credits may further enhance its appeal for businesses not able to fully utilize the credits in the current tax year, making it more feasible for retailers to launch operations in these neighborhoods.
House Bill 21, known as the Healthy Food Access Tax Credit Act, aims to improve food access in less developed areas by providing tax incentives for retailers that sell healthy food options. Specifically, the bill establishes a tax credit equal to 15% of expenses incurred for the construction, renovation, purchase, or lease of retail properties that will house eligible retailers such as convenience stores, grocery stores, and farmers' markets that focus on providing healthy food. This tax credit is designed to encourage businesses to operate in areas that traditionally suffer from limited access to nutritious food options.
While supporters of HB 21 tout the potential benefits for public health and local economies, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of such tax incentives. Experts question whether these tax credits will indeed lead to sustainable grocery businesses in less developed areas or if they merely act as a temporary solution. Critics argue that without comprehensive strategies addressing transportation, food education, and other socio-economic barriers, the bill might not achieve its stated goals of improving food access and public health in underserved communities. This discourse highlights the necessity for ongoing evaluation of the bill’s outcomes and its broader implications on state laws governing food access and economic investment.