[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPUTER DONATION INCENTIVE ACT

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                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo 
as lead cosponsor of the Computer Donation Incentive Act. This 
legislation will provide enhanced tax incentives to corporations that 
donate computers, software, and computer training to public schools and 
to organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
  One of my top priorities in representing the Eighth District of 
Michigan is to ensure that every school has the latest technology in 
their classrooms. To accomplish this important goal, we cannot look to 
Government alone to provide support; rather, we need to encourage 
partnerships and community investment. I am leading this legislation 
because I believe our communities, businesses and local governments 
need to work together if we are going to retool our schools for the 
21st century.
  Under current law, computer donations from computer manufacturers to 
private schools, colleges, and universities qualify for an enhanced tax 
deduction, similar donations to public schools do not. I believe this 
law needs to be changed.
  Having a daughter in the public school system and a son who graduated 
from a public school, I am deeply committed to strengthening our public 
schools. I believe that we all have a stake in guaranteeing the best 
possible public schools in every neighborhood, in every community, and 
in our country. The Computer Donation Incentive Act amends the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986 to give all companies the enhanced tax deduction 
when donating to public schools.
  Second, it is not only important that our public schools receive 
computers, but that our teachers receive the training they need, as 
well. This legislation also designates up to 8 hours of computer 
training as a charitable contribution.
  In my district, I have been leading efforts such as NetDay and the 
passage of the Computer Donation Incentive Act because I believe that 
it is imperative that our students stay competitive in the computer-
literate work force of the global market. The Computer Donation 
Incentive Act will go a long way in encouraging more companies to 
invest in schools and their communities.
   Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for Congresswoman Eshoo's leadership on 
this issue and I am very proud to be able to work with her as lead 
cosponsor on passage of this legislation. I am equally pleased with the 
bipartisan list of original cosponsors that have endorsed this 
legislation. As a new Member of Congress, I am heartened by this 
cooperative spirit and I encourage all of my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join us in passing the Computer Donation Incentive 
Act.

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