Louise Slaughter: “I am pleased the body is considering legislation to increase tax incentives for charitable donations. Charitable…”

“I am pleased the body is considering legislation to increase tax incentives for charitable donations. Charitable organizations across the country are responsible for improving the lives of individuals and entire communities. These dedicated, hard-working groups provide shelter to those without homes, provide food and clothing to families in need, and care for the sick and the dying. They work with our children, providing opportunities for them to develop through art and music programs, teaching them to read, and so much more. In east Buffalo, the tenacity and leadership of Sister Mary Johnice and others created the Response to Love Center. This community outreach center is a family center. The thrift shop clothes the needy. The kitchen feeds the hungry. The food pantry stretches families' thin budgets. The food stamp worker helps those in need to fill out the applications. The visiting nurse takes blood pressures and addresses health care issues with a client. It is right and good that this body seeks to support these great works by increasing the donations of individuals and community-minded companies. I am also gratified that the bill before us today is without provisions allowing religious organizations that receive Federal funds to discriminate. Discrimination is not charitable. Discrimination should neither be allowed nor encouraged, particularly by the Federal Government. The invidious evil of discrimination erodes groups' charitable mission.”