SUPPORTING RELIEF EFFORTS IN HAITI
Dear Friend:
Last month, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives in co-sponsoring and passing legislation that will encourage more charitable contributions to Haiti, by changing current law to speed up tax deductions. The bill, H.R. 4462, was unanimously approved by the House.
With over 230,000 deaths and close to a million people left homeless, the people of Haiti need any and all help they can receive. While this bill marks a small change in tax law, it is an important step to encourage more immediate charitable contributions to our suffering neighbors in Haiti. Now all charitable contributions made to Haiti before March 1, 2010, will be deductible on individuals’ 2009 tax returns.
The American people are responding with generosity and compassion to the devastating earthquake, donating their hard-earned money and time — which can literally mean the difference between life and death to many Haitians and others struggling through this tragedy and devastation.
There are many international, federal, state, and local government agencies and departments responsible for providing or coordinating the delivery of U.S. aid and participation in the relief efforts. For additional information on how you can assist these efforts visit the following sites:
Over the last month, all of us have seen the heart wrenching evidence of the devastation in Haiti. Let us join together, and continue to act in solidarity and support of our Haitian neighbors.
Sincerely,
JOE BACA
