The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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December 24, 2012

W.Va. non-profit group worried about funding

By Wendy Holdren Register-Herald Reporter

West Virginia Non-Profit Association (WVNPA) members fear for the future of non-profits and charities if a deal isn’t reached on the fiscal cliff.

Laura Lee Haddad with WVNPA said if President Barack Obama and Congress don’t reach a deal, $600 billion will be taken out of the economy and economists say a recession will result.

She said charitable non-profits are concerned about both sequestration and tax reform.

“If Congress fails to act before Jan. 2, 2013, automatic spending cuts will further reduce funding for almost every domestic program, thereby increasing demands on non-profits while also decreasing resources for non-profits to provide needed services.”

As for tax reforms, she said, “What is currently on the table is a counter offer from the president to House Speaker John Boehner to limit the value of itemized deductions at 28 percent and keep the charitable deductions cap at the current top tax rate of 35 percent.”

This is progress, she said, but nonprofits take the view of “no cap” on charitable deductions.

“We cannot relax on something this vital and we need to send a loud consistent message not to tamper with charitable giving. Let’s take this off the table for good so charities can get back to focusing on delivering their missions without fear of further government hurdles.”

Unless Congress receives a huge groundswell of opposition immediately, WVNPA says the ability of charitable nonprofits to raise the funds they need to serve others may be sharply curbed for many years to come, affecting everything from churches and synagogues to local food banks, cultural groups, Girl Scouts and the United Way.

“All of our nonprofits provide a valuable service to our communities. Whether serving those in need, providing educational programs or helping the environment, non-profits cross every aspect of our society. They also play a vital economical role by employing one out of every 10 people in the state.”

The WVNPA says the most important thing you can do is call the White House at 202-456-1111 and urge them to not limit charitable deductions.

“Give your name, city and state, and tell what the charitable deduction means to the work you do or the services you rely on.”

Tweets can also be sent to @WhiteHouse and @Speaker Boehner to voice your opinion.

For more information about getting the word out, visit www.wvnpa.org and visit the Action Alerts section.

For more information, visit www.givevoice.org or www. councilofnonprofits.org.

— E-mail: wholdren@register-herald.com

 

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