[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14392]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2001

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity this last April to 
travel around my home state of South Dakota and visit just a few of the 
hard-working local charities that would benefit from the Community 
Solutions Act, H.R. 7. I am continually amazed by the kind hearts of 
the neighborhood saints who work and volunteer at these organizations. 
Day in and day out these folks serve the poor, the weak, and the 
victimized.
  I have also been witness to the bureaucratic processes of the welfare 
state. The question that seems to always work its way into my head is, 
``why is there such a visible difference between our government 
services and local organizations?''
  First of all, local charities and organizations are efficient. Money 
is almost always scarce in this line of work, so they must learn to 
stretch every penny they receive.
  Secondly, local charities and organizations are exactly that . . . 
local. Folks here in Washington can devise a system to deal with the 
National Substance Abuse Problem, but what works in Canton, South 
Dakota? I have a feeling those who have lived there know the unique 
local factors that contribute to substance abuse and can make a 
difference in people's lives.
  Thirdly, local charities and organizations are compassionate. A deep 
sense of calling can be the only reason why the armies of compassion 
continue to serve. Their calling shows itself in the care that is 
shown.
  Because of what I have seen and heard from those who work and 
volunteer at these local organizations, I am convinced that we must 
take every opportunity we can to support them. And by passing H.R. 7 
today, we'll be one step closer to achieving that goal. Through the 
expanded tax deductions, incentive would be put in place for 
individuals to give to the charitable groups they deem worthy of their 
hard-earned income. Any increase in charitable donations is well worth 
the decrease in taxes the government would receive. Why? Because these 
groups are performing many of the same duties our government would have 
to otherwise provide. Let's foster the charitable spirit alive in our 
constituents and allow all of our civil society the opportunity to 
serve.

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