Dr. Howse, President of March of Dimes, Statement Calling on Senate to Consider the CARE Act Washington, D.C., July 18, 2002—The following is a statement by Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, President of the March of Dimes, calling on the Senate to consider the “Charity, Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2002” (CARE Act) before the August recess.
“Today, on behalf of the 3 million volunteers and 1600 staff of the March of Dimes across this nation, I call on Majority Leader Daschle and Republican Leader Lott to bring the “Charity, Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2002 (CARE Act)” before the full Senate for a vote prior to the August recess. This bipartisan legislation providing tax incentives to encourage charitable giving is critical to the non-profit community. It holds promise as a stimulus for increasing resources that we can devote to strengthening our communities at a time when the soft economy is affecting families across America.
“The CARE Act addresses two important issues. First, it provides an incentive to increase charitable contributions. Secondly, it offers greater equity for all taxpayers by recognizing donations made by the 86 million Americans who—every April 15—file the short form.
“Throughout our 63-year history, the March of Dimes has focused on specific problems that impact the health of children and families. If enacted, the CARE Act will generate the resources we need to expand the Foundation’s investment in cutting-edge research, expand public education initiatives aimed at preventing birth defects and infant mortality, and increasing support of community-based services.
“I would like to thank Senators Rick Santorum (R-Penn.) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) for their commitment to moving this legislation. The March of Dimes will be working hard to help build the support in Congress that ensures the CARE Act is sent to President Bush for his signature. It is not an overstatement to say that the very future of our children is at stake.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org, or call 1-888-MODIMES.
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