March 23, 2000

Dear Representative Ramstad:

I am writing you to thank you for agreeing to co-sponsor the Charitable Giving Tax Relief Act, HR 1310 that was introduced on March 25, 1999 by Congressman Philip Crane (R-IL) and co-sponsored, as of this date, by 132 of your colleagues in the House. As many nonprofits are being asked to do more?and want to do more?to help those in need, this legislation will result in an increased support for Lutheran Social Service and other charities in Minnesota.

By allowing taxpayers who don't itemize on their returns to deduct 50 percent of their annual charitable contributions over $500 each year, the Charitable Giving Tax Relief Act will work to provide incentives for increased giving. In fact, according to PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the Charitable Giving Tax Relief Act would increase charitable giving by over $3 billion annually at 1999 income levels, and between 1998-2002, contributions would increase $16.5 billion. This legislation would encourage individuals to increase their giving, helping nonprofits do the vital work that benefits communities and people across America.

By expanding the tax deduction for charitable contributions for all taxpayers, middle and lower income taxpayers will not only benefit from new tax recognition for their contributions, but will be encouraged to give more help to LSS and other charitable organizations like us.

Lutheran Social Service depends on charitable donations to assist us in funding programs and initiatives to help others. LSS would not be able to do our important work without generous donations from all individuals. For example, Rezek House, LSS's new transitional living facility in St. Paul for homeless and runaway youths, got its start and is being developed largely with the help of individual donations. Our SafeHouse, and signature street programs, which minister daily to many of the hundreds of young people on the streets in St. Paul, Duluth, Minneapolis and Willmar, absolutely depend on private contributions to continue. Mental health counseling, our Befrienders program (which trains volunteers in the community to care for those in need of support), much of our refugee resettlement work--so much of the work you know LSS does in your community--can be done only through generous contributions from private individuals.

Thank you for your consideration this important matter. LSS is extremely grateful for your support.

Sincerely,


Mark Peterson
President / CEO

PS: I know you are aware that Minnesota last year became the first state in the country to allow a tax deduction for charitable contributions by non-itemizers. We hope you will help spread this Minnesota leadership to the national Congress!

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