Etheridge supports Haiti donations


Washington, D.C. — Rep. Bob Etheridge, the only N.C. member of the House Ways and Means Committee, supported the unanimous passage of H.R. 4462, a bi-partisan bill to encourage additional donations to help those in need in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The bill would accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of victims of the earthquake in Haiti, allowing Americans to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return instead of having to wait until next year to claim these deductions on their 2010 tax return. The legislation also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged a donation the ability to use a phone bill as proof of donation.

“Our neighbors in Haiti need our help now more than ever, and Americans have been generous with their support. These donations help ease the pain of those who are suffering after this natural disaster,” Etheridge said. “This bill makes it easier for people to donate to relief efforts, and I encourage those who have the means to do so to take advantage of this tax credit.”

Etheridge cosponsored the bi-partisan bill, which was introduced yesterday by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)

In January of 2005, Congress enacted a successful version of this type of relief for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004. That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Congress) contributed uncounted dollars to relief efforts.