Why I voted Yes on H.R. 644

Statement

I voted "Yes" on H.R. 644, the Fighting Hunger Incentive Act.

This legislation makes permanent a number of tax provisions which promote charitable giving, including donations of food, conservation property and contributions from individual retirement accounts.

As a lifelong resident of upstate New York, I have long been involved with numerous local charities and have developed a close relationship with several food banks in our area. I understand the value of these charitable resources in our communities, both urban and rural, and I am committed to seeing their continued success. H.R. 644 encourages all forms of business entities to donate excess food inventory to charities through a tax deduction of up to 15 percent of taxable income.

In addition to providing enhanced incentives for food bank donations, this legislation would also permanently allow individuals over 70½ years of age to make certain tax-free distributions of $100,000 or less from an individual retirement account (IRA) for charitable purposes. Additionally, the bill makes it easier for taxpayers, including farmers, to donate property for conservation purposes.

Working to address and reduce poverty, homelessness, and hunger is critical to create stable communities that are able to flourish both economically and socially. While I continue to support a full and comprehensive rewrite of our tax code, making these charitable tax provisions permanent will encourage charitable giving throughout Upstate and the rest of the nation through tax deductions with a proven record of increasing charitable contributions and making the most vulnerable among us more comfortable and secure.

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