AMERICAN ATHEISTS ACTION ALERT

April 18, 2002

TELL CONGRESS IT'S TO END THE SPECIAL CLERGY HOUSING TAX PERK!

Stop the "Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002"

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are rushing legislation which would preserve a decades-old policy of allowing clergy a tax break on housing. The measure is unconstitutional; it is meant for the benefit of religious groups, and even backers of the bill say that it is necessary to help retain priests, ministers and other clerics in rural areas.

This week, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the "Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002." Debate on the measure lasted 21 minutes, and there were no public hearings. Why the rush?

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court is examining the policy of providing a special tax break on cleric housing in the WARREN v. COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE case. The government, the IRS and religious-interest groups such as the National Association of Church Business Administration want the policy left intact. Some justices on the Circuit Court, though, want to examine the constitutionality of this discriminatory "special rights' provision. This special deduction will cost the American taxpayers $2.3 billion over the next five years.

In hopes of preserving the deduction, Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) introduced the proposed Act, designed H.R. 4156. With the 408-0 roll-call vote in the House, the measure now moves to the Senate.

Senators need to hear from you NOW!

American Atheists is calling for the defeat of H.R. 4156. So far, there is not a Senate version listed on the calendar, but the legislation could be introduced any time and fast-tracked as it was in the House.

* Check out our TIPS ON CONTACTING CONGRESS. We urge you to send "snail mail" and faxes, or make personal phone calls to voice your opinion.

* Learn more about the "Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002.

* Send us copies of your letters to ccletters@atheists.org.

* Spread the word! Circulate copies of this Action Alert!

* FIND OUT who your representative is and where to write.

* Be polite and concise. Be sure to include your name and address, and ask for a response from your elected representative!