Bipartisan Legislation Unanimously Passes House of Representatives, Easing Charitable Donations for Haiti Relief

A devastating earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2009, claimed over 200,000 lives, leaving millions homeless. In response, the international community and individuals around the world, including those in Western New York, have shown immense compassion and provided much-needed aid. To facilitate these charitable efforts, the House of Representatives has unanimously approved bipartisan legislation H.R. 4462, allowing individuals to claim charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return.

Key Takeaways:

• The House of Representatives unanimously approved bipartisan legislation H.R. 4462, which permits individuals to claim charitable contributions on their 2009 tax return for donations made to victims of the Haiti earthquake.
• Congressman Brian Higgins, an original co-sponsor of the legislation, expressed that the bill makes it easier for those interested to provide charitable contributions that are helping to save lives in Haiti today.
• The legislation includes a provision to clarify that taxpayers who make charitable contributions through text messages can use their cell phone bill as proof of donation.
• Since the earthquake, over $220 million has been donated to major U.S. relief efforts, with an additional $22 million raised through cell phone text messages.

Statistics:

• Over 200,000 people lost their lives in the Haiti earthquake.
• Millions of people were left homeless due to the disaster.
• Over $220 million has been donated to major U.S. relief efforts for Haiti.
• An additional $22 million has been raised through cell phone text messages.
• The bipartisan legislation H.R. 4462 was introduced by the House Committee on Ways and Means, which Congressman Higgins sits on.

Sources:

• The office of New York Rep. Brian Higgins
• House of Representatives
• Congressman Higgins
• House Committee on Ways and Means