Preserving the Charitable Deduction

Testimony Provided to the US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee
On February 12, NAO worked in concert with The Oregon Community Foundation and seven other members of our sector from across the state to provide information to Congressman Earl Blumenauer on tax reform and the charitable incentive as he prepared to hear testimony before the US House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. The committee will be considering cuts in federal spending and reforms to tax laws and entitlement programs. Those changes could undermine the ability of nonprofits to maintain—and expand—much needed programs and services, especially with the increased demands resulting from the still anemic economy and policy choices being made at all levels of government. Charitable nonprofits across Oregon must be able to count on the current tax incentives for charitable giving if the expectation of policymakers is that nonprofit organizations will be there to fill the gaps. It is imperative that Congress avoid endangering the ability of nonprofits to serve our communities by making a clear statement in support of the charitable deduction and in opposition to proposals to reduce or cap the value of itemized deductions for charitable contributions. Raise your voice and tell your story.