Reps. Craig and Stauber Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Volunteer Drivers

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the bipartisan Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act to lower costs for volunteer drivers by increasing the charitable mileage reimbursement rate.   

The bill would quintuple the reimbursement rate from its current rate, 14 cents per mile, to 70 cents per mile. This represents a massive jump for volunteers at organizations like Meals on Wheels and Feeding America, where the reimbursement rate has remained stagnant at $0.14 per mile since 1997.   

Rep. Craig's legislation will address the financial burden that rising gas prices and inflation have placed on volunteer drivers, and will ensure that, moving forward, the volunteer reimbursement rate can be increased to fit the economic pressures of the moment.  

“Minnesota's volunteer drivers are dedicated to serving our rural communities and the seniors who depend on them, and they deserve all our support," said Rep. Angie Craig. "Increasing the federal tax deduction mileage rate will empower even more drivers to serve their neighbors, and I look forward to working with Rep. Stauber to move this bill forward."  

“From delivering meals to expanding healthcare access for our seniors, volunteer drivers play an integral role in Minnesota’s communities,” said Rep. Pete Stauber. “Volunteering is a selfless act, and our volunteer drivers should not be penalized for their service. By increasing the mileage rate for volunteer drivers and lessening their burden, they’ll have greater peace of mind, and more people will donate their time to this important volunteer service.” 

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