Congressman Shuler Votes to Spur Help to Haiti

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Heath Shuler voted on Wednesday to provide immediate tax benefits to Americans who make charitable contributions to organizations providing disaster assistance and relief to Haiti.  If the House had not passed this legislation, those making donations would need to wait until filing their taxes in 2010 to take deductions.  The bill allows Americans to take deductions on their 2009 tax return for donations made by February, 2010 to Haitian relief efforts.

“Americans are the most charitable people on earth.  I’m heartened to see so many in Western North Carolina reaching out to offer aid to the Haitian people,” said Congressman Shuler (D-Waynesville). “America is showing an outpouring of support, and this legislation aims to encourage those efforts. I urge people to donate what they can.”

The bill makes clear that taxpayers who make charitable donations through text messages to help Haiti will be able to rely on their cellular phone bills to claim their deductions. The House approved similar tax legislation in 2005 after a tsunami devastated Indonesia, Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations in December 2004.

Additionally, the House is expected to pass a resolution expressing condolences to the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12^th earthquake.  “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and those who are working to bring them aid and comfort,” said Shuler.