Dear President Obama:
As your constituent, and on behalf of the nonprofit organization I represent, I urge you to oppose limiting the deductibility of charitable donations - whether in deficit reduction legislation or funding for jobs programs. The donations we receive are used to help those in our community who are most in need. Tax deductibility of donations to charities is an important incentive for Americans to invest in the works of charities who benefit fellow citizens of our country and those around the world. That incentive makes it possible for charities to return much greater benefits to those in need. Americans historically have given a greater percentage of their income to charities than most other nations, and our government has encouraged and fostered those efforts. The gifts we receive - whether in good or in difficult economic times - reduce the burden on government to assist citizens in need. In turn, the deductibility of charitable gifts helps charities reduce the demand for government services, helps us invest in our communities and helps us improve the lives of our fellow citizens.
I appeal to you not to support removing this important incentive for charitable giving. Do not increase the demands for government assistance because charities must pull back their programs. Do not end the long-standing American commitment to encourage supporting nonprofit programs that help those less fortunate than we are. Placing the burden of deficit reduction or funding for jobs programs on the backs of the neediest Americans is not the direction our country should take. Please oppose any attempts to undermine our work and hurt our beneficiaries.
Sincerely,
Dane W. Fowlkes, Ph.D
Director of Major Gifts
East Texas Bapttist University
