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Pearce and Herger-led Coalition Urge Leaders to Drop Land Trust Incentives in Senate-passed Charitable Giving Bill, Adopt House-passed Bill in Conference


Washington, Nov 10, 2003 - Representatives Steve Pearce (NM-2) and Wally Herger (CA-2) along with 26 Members of Congress, urged Majority Whip Roy Blunt and Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas, probable conferees to the Charitable Giving bill, to oppose a provision in the Senate-passed bill that would create a tax incentive for private property owners who sell their land to the government or a conservation entity. Congressmen Pearce and Herger commented on the release of the letter, attached.

Representative Pearce: "We believe that the Charitable Giving Act is intended to encourage and benefit faith-based institutions in their efforts to extend job opportunities and services to the general public. Yet incredibly, the Senate provision would place those very faith-based institutions, such as churches and private schools, at an unfair disadvantage. We have substantial policy questions on the fairness of the Senate provision, and we have come together as a caucus to communicate that to the House leadership."

Representative Herger: "As Representatives from western states, Steve Pearce and I have been first-hand witnesses to the effects of private property encroachment and resources neglect caused by these kinds of ill-conceived incentives. The last thing we should do is provide incentives to put even more land on the federal rolls. I strongly support the faith-based initiative, and want it to succeed. However, the Senate's provision runs contrary to the purpose of the bill itself, namely to benefit nonprofit faith-based groups like schools and charities. We took the lead on this letter because, especially at this time, it's important that the possible conferees are aware of our joint resolve against this provision."

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