ACTION ALERT!!!! CHARITABLE DEDUCTION CAP -- 
Congress is considering tax law changes that would reduce giving to charities. The proposals under consideration would result in increased taxes on income that is donated to charities.
If these changes go into effect, donations to charities will be reduced and charities will have to cut services to thousands of families and individuals who are in desperate need of help. At a time when the federal government and state governments are cutting their programs, it is critical that charities be allowed to help those in need.
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on October 18 to consider changing the charitable deduction. It is vital you let your Senators and Member of Congress know you support charities and the work they do.Join United Way’s efforts to ensure that Congress and the Administration recognize the importance that the charitable deduction plays in enabling charities to meet the demand for critical services in your community.
Click HERE to make your voice heard on this critical issue.
Improving education,
income,
and health
requires lending our voices. LIVE UNITED
is not about Democrat vs. Republican; it’s about understanding our nation’s
crises and coming together to solve them.
EDUCATION
Research
shows preschool-age years are critical for cognitive and social development,
laying a foundation for success in college, work and life. To effectively
reduce the high school dropout rate, we must begin by improving access to
quality and affordable child care and early childhood education.
Funding
for child care, Head Start, and Early Head Start is at immediate risk for deep
budget cuts. With your help, we can show a broad base of national, state,
and local support for investments in early childhood.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT CONGRESS TODAY IN SUPPORT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS.
Voices for America’s Children is the nation’s largest network of multi-issue
child advocacy organizations. Our nonprofit, nonpartisan network spans almost
every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We lead
advocacy efforts at the community, state and federal levels to improve the
lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, and their families. Add to the voice at:
www.voices.org or www.vakids.org
INCOME
The
BEST Coalition, through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program,
offers tax help, free of charge, to middle and low-income individuals and
married couples. VITA helps ensure financial stability by maximizing use
of existing tax code benefits and incentives, such as the Earned Income Tax
Credit. IRS trained, certified volunteers are trained to prepare basic
tax returns in communities across the country.
Legislation
establishing a Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Program (VITA
grant program) is expected to be re-introduced in the 112th Congress.
Join the United Way’s efforts to advocate.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT CONGRESS TODAY IN SUPPORT OF TAX ASSISTANCE FOR MIDDLE AND LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
HEALTH
The
United Way system’s 10-year health goal is to increase by one-third the number
of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behavior. By 2018, 45% of
youth and 47% of adults will be healthy and avoid risky behaviors, up from 34%
of youth and 35% of adults in 2005.
To
accomplish this goal, United Way will focus on the following policy priorities:
1) Increasing Children’s Health Coverage
2) Preserving Healthy Start Program Funding
3) Improving Child and Maternal Nutrition
CAPACITY
Currently
available in 80% of the country, 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember number that helps
people cut through what can be a confusing and overwhelming maze of information
and resources. 2-1-1 helps people assess their needs and links them directly to
the resources that will help. Whether a person is contemplating starting a small business, looking for volunteer opportunities in his/her community or seeking
information on essential services, 2-1-1 is there to help.
We
need your help to ensure federal 2-1-1 legislation passes this year. While the
bill (H.R. 211 in the House, S. 211 in the Senate) enjoys significant
bi-partisan support, members of Congress need to hear from you, their
constituents, in order to ensure the bill is considered and passed. Your voice
will truly make a difference.
United
Way will strongly support policy initiatives that seek to strengthen the
nonprofit sector through expansion of the 2-1-1 system, tax policy, and policy
incentives and regulations that encourage philanthropy and volunteerism.
CLICK HERE TO ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVE FOR THEIR SUPPORT.