Jerry Lewis: “the communities in our Southern California mountains, and the community of Federal firefighters, suffered a terrible…”

“the communities in our Southern California mountains, and the community of Federal firefighters, suffered a terrible tragedy a little more than a month ago when five Federal firefighters were killed protecting our homes and families. Our constituents have promised to provide for the survivors of Engine Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, Fire Engine Operator Jess McLean, Assistant Fire Engine Operator Jason McKay, Firefighter Daniel Hoover-Najera, and Firefighter Pablo Cerda. With the help of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and a local United Way chapter, nearly $1 million has been raised. But we need to ensure that our tax regulations do not block the distribution of this money to the deserving families. My colleague and friend Representative Mary Bono has introduced a very simple bill, which would give permission to the United Way to organize the fund's dispersal. It is a narrow bill that creates a one-time income tax exemption for those firefighter families receiving money from the fund. It also allows donations to the fund to be deductible. Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the members of this body will help us help these families, who have suffered a terrible loss in the name of public service and protecting our communities from wildfires.”