Catholic Charities USA Urges Full Senate to Adopt Faith-based Legislation

Catholic Charities USA
Thursday, 18 July 2002

With little time left on the congressional calendar, Catholic Charities USA is urging the Senate to vote soon on and pass the "Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Act of 2002" (CARE Act). The bill, which was approved by the Senate Finance Committee last month, includes several provisions that encourage private giving to charities and provide for additional government resources and equal treatment to faith- and community-based organizations that serve the poor.

"Catholic Charities believe that the CARE Act will strengthen the ability of faith-based and community groups to serve low-income families, while also recognizing the responsibility of the government in helping to care for the most vulnerable in our society," said Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities USA. The bill—introduced by Sens. Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)—enjoys bipartisan support.

Key Provisions in the CARE Act

Equal Treatment for Nongovernmental Organizations. The CARE Act would ensure that organizations seeking federal funds could not be required to remove religious symbols or change their names to qualify. In addition, they could not be discriminated against in applying for government funds because of religious requirements for memberships on boards of directors or religious language in chartering documents. These straightforward, common sense provisions will ensure that qualified faith-based organizations can compete for federal funds without undue restrictions on their religious character.

Guaranteed Funding Social Services Block Grant. The legislation will provide additional, guaranteed funding for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) without corresponding reductions to other critical programs that serve the poor. SSBG provides community groups and religious agencies with federal funds to assist working families, abused and abandoned children, persons with disabilities, and the frail elderly.

Charitable Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers. The bill would allow individuals who do not itemize their tax returns to claim a deduction for charitable contributions. This will not only help encourage additional giving to charities, it will make the tax code fairer for the majority of those individuals and families, including many low-income households, who do not itemize.

IRA Charitable Rollover. This provision enables resources to flow to the charities that serve those at risk and in need by allowing tax-free rollovers from an individual retirement account to a charity (provided the donor has reached age 67).

Help for Smaller Faith and Community-Based Organizations. The bill will provide additional resources to assist small organizations with incorporation, grant writing, capacity building, and other matters related to obtaining federal funds.

"The chances for the CARE Act to become law this year dwindle with each passing day," said Fr. Hehir. "We appreciate the bi-partisan support that this bill has garnered in the Senate, especially the support of Majority Leader Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Minority Leader Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS)."

For more information, or to contact Catholic Charities USA, see their website at: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org