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WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today voted for the Community Solutions Act (H.R. 7) which reflects key elements of the President's faith-based and community initiative to encourage increased charitable giving and allow faith-based organizations to apply for federal funds.

The Community Solutions Act today passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 233-198. This legislation would provide over $13 billion in tax relief over the next ten years, offering incentives for individuals and businesses to make charitable contributions.

"This bill brings public services to the grass roots," Ryan said. "For far too long, we have seen our nation's culture decay as a result of addiction, violence, and despair. This effort attacks the root cause of our problems by giving institutions of faith the chance to heal those in need within our communities."

"Currently, government discriminates against faith-based groups when it comes to eligibility for some federal funding. The Community Solutions Act aims to correct this unfair treatment and enable government to work more effectively with these groups. By leveling the playing field to allow these groups to voluntarily compete for federal funds, the measure recognizes the important role they play in serving the needy throughout our communities," Ryan said.

Among other provisions, the Community Solutions Act would:

• Allow taxpayers who do not itemize on their taxes to take a deduction for charitable giving;
• Permit older taxpayers to make tax-free withdrawals from their Individual Retirement Accounts for the purpose of giving to charities;
• Encourage businesses to contribute more to charity, increasing the cap on the amount of charitable contributions a corporation may deduct;
• Expand charitable choice to allow faith-based organizations to apply for funds in the areas of juvenile delinquency and prevention programs, crime prevention programs, housing grants, job training funds, senior citizen programs under the Older Americans Act, community development block grant funds, domestic violence prevention and intervention programs and hunger relief funds;
• Expand federal support for Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to make it easier for low-income working families to save for their first home, a college education, or for starting a small business.

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