|
TO: Land Trusts in U.S. Representative Ryan's
district
FROM: Vicki Elkin, Executive Director, Gathering Waters Conservancy
RE: New Tax Incentives for Conservation
DATE: November 22, 2005
Hi, Everyone
We have very good news -- the U.S. Senate included
the following tax benefits for easement donors in its tax reconciliation
bill. The Senate version of the bill would:
- Raise the maximum deduction a donor can take
for donating a conservation easement from 30% of their income
in any year to 50%;
- Allow farmers and ranchers to deduct 100% of
their income; and
- Increase the number of years over which a donor
can take deductions from 6 years to 16 years.
The House of Representatives has NOT included
these provisions in their version of the bill. The two bills must
now be reconciled in a conference committee between the House and
Senate that will probably take place the week of December 12.
WE NEED YOU TO CALL AND/OR EMAIL REP. PAUL RYAN,
A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, AND URGE HIM TO
TELL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BILL THOMAS TO AGREE TO THE SENATE CONSERVATION
INCENTIVES.
WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME, SO IT IS IMPORTANT
THAT YOU MAKE YOUR CALLS ASAP.
Rep. Ryan's phone number is 202-225-3031. Ask
to talk to Joyce Meyer, his staff person who covers tax issues.
You can email Rep. Ryan by filling out a form on his web page at
http://www.house.gov/ryan/email.htm.
It wouldn't hurt to both call and send an email. Remember to tell
him about your organization's mission, the make up of your membership
and why these tax incentives are so important to promoting voluntary
conservation efforts by private landowners. The incentives are supported
by a wide range of organizations that cut across the political spectrum
(including Ducks Unlimited, Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild
Turkey Federation, etc.)
I've attached background materials and talking
points FYI. Please report back to me once you have made your calls
or cc me on your emails.
Please pass this message
on to others who care about conservation in your community. The
more constituents that Rep. Ryan hears from, the better!
Feel free to contact Gathering Waters Conservancy
for more information. I also urge you to check out the Land Trust
Alliance’s website at www.lta.org
for regular updates on what’s going in Washington.
Thanks to all for your prompt attention to this
matter!
Vicki
|
