August Recess: Engaging Lawmakers While They Are Home

Senators and Representatives head home for most of August to reconnect with constituents and campaign for reelection. The August congressional recess (8/2/08 - 9/8/08) is the ideal time to schedule meetings and events with federal elected officials to help them appreciate the work you do in their communities and to let them know where you stand on issues that impact that work.

• Lessen the impact of high gas prices on our volunteers by updating the tax laws
  As the price for gasoline hits record highs, volunteers have cut back on their use of vehicles for charitable purposes - hurting the people they intend to serve and making it difficult for charities to recruit and retain volunteers. Congress should take action to exempt reimbursement of mileage from volunteer’s income and raise the volunteer standard deduction from 14 cents a mile to a reasonable rate. Click here for more information on this issue and for a sample letter to send to your Members of Congress.
  
  
• The individuals and communities we serve will benefit the most from restoration of charitable giving incentives
  Charitable giving incentives originally enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 expired at the end of 2007 and require congressional action to be reinstated. Passage of tax legislation including extension of the IRA rollover and other charitable incentives has been held up by objections that the incentives are not paid for with offsets. Despite adverse votes, Senators have indicated that they have made some progress in negotiating a bipartisan compromise on the tax package, and recognize the urgency of passing the measures in September. Go here for more information.
  
  
• Responsible Budgeting is Necessary to Meet Our Citizens’ Needs
  The appropriations process for fiscal year 2009 spending bills is not following the usual series of mark ups and floor votes this year because of election-year politics and persistent veto threats from the White House. Congress is likely to enact only one or two of the 12 appropriations bills in regular order. Instead, House leaders have announced plans to take up a resolution in September that will provide ongoing funding for vital government programs until a deal on the budget can be reached with the new President next year. There is also discussion of another economic stimulus package in September with possible inclusion of funding for disaster relief, food stamps, home heating assistance, and another round of rebate checks. Tell lawmakers and candidates to make responsible budget decisions – to adequately invest in programs that strengthen our communities, while also considering measures that will help reduce the federal deficit, including balanced, bipartisan changes to the federal budget process.

Last updated: August 4, 2008