Congressional Philanthropy Caucus Ready to Take Off

September 27, 2007

Congressional Philanthropy Caucus Ready to Take Off

A Congressional caucus that was formed to discuss issues that affect the charitable world now has 25 members and will start meeting this fall, probably next month, says an aide to Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, a caucus co-chair.

Among the first issues that the new caucus will discuss are a tax bill that Congress is expected to adopt this fall and the proposed extension of legislation allowing some people to donate money from their individual retirement accounts to charity tax-free, says Nikia Okoye, senior legislative assistant to Ms. Tubbs Jones, Democrat of Ohio.

The other co-chair of the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus is Robin Hayes, Republican of North Carolina. The two lawmakers created the group as a way to raise awareness in Congress about philanthropy and to discuss legislative goals that affect charities and foundations.

In a press release announcing the caucus in June, Ms. Tubbs Jones said the members would also focus on “increasing communication and dialogue between government and the foundation community with a common goal of increasing philanthropy and opportunities for all of our citizens.”

Other Democratic members of the caucus are: Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii; Yvette Clarke, New York; Susan Davis, California; Bob Filner, California; Rush Holt, New Jersey; Carolyn Maloney, New York; Kendrick Meek, Florida; Bobby Rush, Illinois; Jose Serrano, New York; Louise Slaughter, New York; Ellen Tauscher, California; Tim Walz, Minnesota; and Henry Waxman, California.

Other Republicans are: Vern Buchanan, Florida; Dan Burton, Indiana; Mike Conaway, Texas; Thelma Drake, Virginia; Phil English, Pennsylvania; Ron Paul, Texas; Jim Ramstad, Minnesota; Mark Souder, Indiana; Patrick Tiberi, Ohio; Fred Upton, Michigan.

What do you think the priorities should be for this group of lawmakers? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comment link just below this item.

— Suzanne Perry

Comments

I think it’s great that a group of lawmakers is (finally) taking a closer look at ways they can help advance philanthropy – not hinder it. As the independent sector plays such a vital role in the economy, not to mention the lives of real people, I hope that the caucus will begin by actually reaching out to nonprofit organizations, donors (and not just foundations), and advocates in their respective communities rather than sit in a caucus room somewhere and talk about things they may not fully know or understand…certainly, one of the ways they can continue to grow the sector and philanthropy is to make it accessible to people at all socioeconomic levels and not just focus on “mega-gifts.” As foundations only represent 12% of the total giving in this country, focusing their attention exclusively on the foundation sector would be a tragic mistake. The caucus should also find the time and opportunity to talk to individual donors at all levels of giving to understand what motivates philanthropy.

— AnneMarie Kemp Sep 28, 10:27 AM #

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