AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

June 16, 2002

FAITH-BASED BILL READY FOR SENATE MARK-UP TUESDAY --
SUPPORT SOFT FOR AID-TO-RELIGION SCHEME

Phone calls, Faxes, phone calls can make a difference!

The latest version of President Bush's faith-based initiative is in trouble on Capitol Hill!

The measure, S. 1924 or the "Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act of 2002" is considered the "best chance" compromise of previous legislation. It would provide tax incentives to encourage contributions to religious charities, and dangerous "back door" funding of faith-based programs through a series of Community Block Grants.

The measure has already cleared the House of Representatives but is considered "soft" inside the Senate Finance Committee. An Associated Press story notes that the legislation now generates "little enthusiasm," and that even key Republicans are "even less enthusiastic" about the bill than previously thought.

The Faith-Based Initiative, CARE, is now vulnerable and can be defeated inside the Senate Finance Committee if we move fast enough!

PLEASE send faxes, or make telephone calls, to the offices and members of the Senate Finance Committee by or on Tuesday, June 18. Be polite, and concise. You probably will not speak directly with a Senator, but you can convey your thoughts about the bill with a legislative aide. Tell them that you oppose HR 1924, the "Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act of 2002."

TALKING POINTS...

* The legislation invites legal challenge, and violates the separation of church and state. Public tax policy is being used to assist religion-based organizations and social programs.

* Provisions in the legislation would still permit tax money to be "laundered" for distribution to states and local funding agencies, and on to unmonitored faith-based groups.

* As Sen. John Kyl (R-AZ) recently stated, the bill "spends too much with regard to any reasonable expectation of benefit." There is no proof that religion-based charities work better than their secular counterparts. (See Flash Line.)

* The bill sets a dangerous precedent by expanding tax deductions for unregulated groups. It invites abuse and fraud, and makes no provision for monitoring religious charities for compliance.

The Senate Finance Committee Needs To Hear From You Immediately!

We urge you to contact members of the Committee immediately -- by or on Tuesdsay, June 18. The Mark-up may be delayed or extended, but try to reach the Committee as soon as possible...

MEMBERS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
Senate Finance Committee

You can also CALL THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OFFICES DIRECTLY and leave a message. Ask that it be conveyed to members of the appropriate party.

Maj. Staff Dir. John Angell (Democratic) phone: 202-224-4515
Min. Staff Dir. Kolan Davis (Republican) phone 202-224-5315

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE...

• Archive of articles, background on the federal faith-based initiative
• Faith-based funding bill in finance committee as Bush Memorial Day deadline nears, 5/22/02
• Compromise reached on faith-based funding scheme, 2/8/02
• A Wider Bush Plan For 'Religious Communitarianism,' by Conrad Goeringer
• Charitable Choice, Faith-Based Partnerships and the Public Funding of Religion

Spread the word! Circulate copies of this Action Alert!