Naomi Adler, Esq. speaks on role of charitable giving to strengthen local communities
On Thursday, February 14 at 9:30 am ET, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on tax reform and charitable contributions. The hearing comes at a critical time when Congress is making key decisions about the federal budget and tax reform.
Thirteen state and local United Way CEOs, as well as United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Naomi Adler, testified on the charitable tax deduction and shared about the central role that charitable giving plays in strengthening communities.
“It was a privilege to stand before our nation’s lawmakers and testify on the importance of protecting the Charitable Tax Deduction that is a lifeline for nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Naomi Adler, United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s CEO. “Taking away this deduction will hurt our neighbors who need help to stabilize their lives. Nonprofits are the best, most economical way to meet their needs and we have to keep them strong.”
Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way Worldwide, urged the Committee to preserve the charitable deduction for all donors and asked that they consider ways to further incentivize private, charitable giving. The CEOs of the 13 state and local United Ways spoke about their organization’s response to the unique needs of their communities and how a modification to the charitable deduction would impact their ability to provide educational and employment opportunities.
One hundred state and local United Ways also made visits to Capitol Hill this week to advocate for the charitable deduction and avert the sequestration that will take effect on March 1. Combined, across-the-board cuts to discretionary education and human service programs and limits to charitable giving incentives in the tax code could leave millions of Americans who need help with no place left to turn. United Way will continue to advocate for policies that strengthen and support the vulnerable communities we serve.
In addition to advocating in Washington D.C. Alder joined United Way of Westchester and Putnam board members, Scott Morrison (Chappaqua) and Susan Reddy (Pelham) earlier this week, along with staff and volunteers from around the state, for a day advocating in Albany for United Way’s 2-1-1. February 11 (2/11) was proclaimed 2-1-1 Day by Governor Cuomo and he recognized and commended the work that United Way did during and after Hurricane Sandy. United Way of Westchester and Putnam fielded over 25,000 calls and over 1 million online searches during and after the storm.
For information about United Way of Westchester and Putnam or to learn how you can get involved through giving, advocating, or becoming a volunteer, please call 914-997-6700 or visit the website atwww.uwwp.org. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is located at 336 Central Park Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606. Follow the United Way on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP) and Twitter (@UnitedWayWP) for the latest news and updates.
About the United Way of Westchester and Putnam
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the United Way of Westchester and Putnam operates with the fundamental belief that all people deserve a quality education, enough income to support a family, and opportunities for good health. United Way works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone. Contributions go toward improving the education, income, and health of the children, youth and families throughout Westchester and Putnam. United Way’s 2-1-1, covering Westchester and Putnam as well as Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, answers up to 500 calls and 1,000 online inquiries per day ranging from tax, heating, and mortgage questions to childcare, basic needs, natural disaster and crisis calls.
