|
Senator Santorum Comments on Charitable Giving Reaching a Record Total of Nearly $250 Billion in 2004
June 16, 2005 - Washington, D.C. - Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, reacted today to the recent report by the Giving USA Foundation announcing that contributions to charitable organizations in the United States reached a new record total of $248.52 billion in 2004.
“It is commendable that charitable giving has reached the highest yearly total ever - an incredible amount of nearly $250 billion,” said Senator Santorum. “I am immensely proud of the unselfish generosity of millions of Americans who have contributed to organizations that provide services to those in need. These organizations rely on the charity and generosity of others. As a caring and compassionate society, it is our responsibility to help improve the quality of life for more Americans and to lend them a helping hand when they are in need the most.”
Senator Santorum has been a leader in congressional efforts to increase charitable giving, including the Charity, Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act, which passed the Senate during the 108th Congress but was blocked by minority party. Earlier this year, Senator Santorum reintroduced the CARE Act as part of S. 6, the MORE Act.
Senator Santorum continues to be an advocate of charitable giving, which is based on the concepts of giving and saving. The CARE Act provides incentives for charitable giving and opportunities for low-income families to build their individual assets. These renewal programs will promote job growth, economic development, affordable housing and higher education, and long-term financial stability for Americans.
In March 2005, Senator Santorum sponsored a Senate Resolution urging Americans to increase their charitable giving by one percentage point nationally. In May 2005, Senator Santorum introduced the Expanding Charitable and Volunteer Opportunities Act, which provides commonsense liability protections for individuals and companies who wish to donate to and volunteer for charitable purposes.
The CARE Act and Charitable liability protection efforts are part of the Senate Republican Poverty Alleviation Agenda led by Senator Santorum.
###
|
|
