| WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today applauded the passage
of H.R. 4823, Holocaust Restitution Tax Fairness Act of 2002, legislation
that would ensure that survivors and families of victims are permanently
exempt from paying federal taxes on Holocaust restitution payments.
“It
is disgraceful that we are still facing obstacles and roadblocks as we
attempt to deliver a small measure of justice to Holocaust survivors and
families of victims of the greatest tragedy of the last Century,” Schakowsky
said.
She
added, “However, with the passage of H.R. 4823 we can claim a small, yet
important victory. After waiting for far too many years to receive
a symbolic restitution that does not scratch the surface of what was plunderred,
stolen or measure the depth of human suffering, survivors and families
of victims should not have to give up a fraction of what is rightfully
theirs.”
Federal
payments from Medicare, housing assistance, and other programs would not
be reduced by this legislation. As many as 100,000 people in
the United States, including 10,000 in Illinois can benefit from this legislation. |
