the volunteer mileage tax deduction, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in the United States was $.309, and the allowable tax deduction was $.07 per mile. During 1983 the average cost of a gallon of gasoline has been $1.27 and the allowable tax deduction is $.09 per mile. Looking at these figures in another way, we see that during the last 25 years the allowable deduction for charitable POV use has increased by 28.6 percent. While, during the same period, motor fuel has increased by 241 percent. Likewise, in 1957, the allowable deduction represented 22.7 percent of the cost of a gallon of gasoline but by 1983 the allowable deduction represented only 7 percent of the cost of a gallon of gasoline. For today's driver to maintain parity with the volunteer driver of 1958, in terms of percentage of cost, he would need an allowable deduction of $.28 a mile. But, Mr. Chairman, the volunteer community is not asking that the volunteer mileage deduction be raised to $.28 a mile. Instead, the volunteer community is only asking for parity with persons who, today, use their automobiles for government and commercial purposes. We believe that this is not only a fair request, but a responsible request as well. Mr. MILLER. In addition, Mr. Chairman, I have two letters which were received by the Legion's legislative division last year regarding the volunteer mileage proposals, and which highlight concern of our people in the field. I would also like to introduce for the record a couple of documents which indicate the degree of involvement of the American Legion in volunteer programs and activities, and a copy of the 1982 consolidated post report, which details the level of that activity, with your permission. Senator ARMSTRONG. Yes. We would like to have that in the record also. [The above two letters and the documents follows:] volunteer. as hostess This past year 1981, I put in 59774 hr. of volunteer work. driveing 4,924 mi. 126 hr. at the Veterans Hospital, Omaha, Neb. 405 hr. At the Glenwood State Hospital School 61 hr. with the Sowa Special Olympics And the remaining hes. hr. serving at the Nishna Valley School, Sastings Ja. during National Education Neck. Our Legion Auxiliary is very small s in numbers. 41 mem. 80th of these ladies Are in the 70-80 yr. Age range. So our money makeing projects are few. And a ons. As of the funds very low. They offered me 18:00 a month to help on Jas to drive to the V.A. Hosp. in first of The the I have refused because it leaves no to money money for them to help in other ways? The money will now go An organization each mo. Such as Childs Welfare, fund, Resje's syndrome & If President Reagan is serious about volunteers then he & Congress must help the volunteer in some way. My husband is the Secondary Principal and ath, Director at Rishna Valley Schools in hastings, Sowa. At the present time our income alows me to do my volunteer work. But with the economy the way it is I may have to cut back. If I do it means 3 other volunteers will Also cut back because they depend on me for transportation. My sugestion is, at least a 20d tax break for mileage and possibly at 5.0" break for each 100 hrs. of Volunteer work. In your letter to mis Mlonis you mention Mileage Bells, H.R.768 and 5. 473. Can I get more information about these bills, Jim Bourie said you had requested that I should see if I could come up with some ideas of changes in the tax laws that might get more Volunteers. The State of Ia. and Mills Co. in Ia. pays their help (like the Public Health Nurses) 22 cents a mile for using their own car, and the Government only allows 9 cents a mile for Volunteers. I think the Volunteers should be allowed the same amount for mileage as the paid employees. This to be in a tax credit and the Volunteer Hours verified. At the end of the year the Chief of Staff for the VAVS or the Activities Director at the State Schools could give the person a letter stating they had given so many hours and driven so many miles to do their Volunteer work. Mrs. Charlotte Lee, Box 214, Emerson, Ia., 51533 drives 3 members of the American Legion Auxiliary from Malvern to the VAMC in Omaha, Ne. on the first Monday of the Month, which is approximately 102 miles (round trip), then each Tuesday she takes myself to the Glenwood State Hospital School, which makes her trip 40 miles round trip. Then she serves on a Human Resource Committee at the State School which meets once a week. To her the 22 cents a mile would mean quite a lot. A tax credit of 1500 dollars limit. Harley Cooper, an employee at the State School suggested that a tax credit of $5 per 100 hours of Volunteer time be given to the Volunteers up to $100. This would be verified by the letter from the VAVS or State Schools. If the Government would issue food stamps to persons over 55 (if they were Volunteering and meeting the other requirements for the program and needed them) with out registering with the Job Service. Especially, where there is no public transportation and you have to pay someone $10 per trip and go three times to be eligible for food stamps. for 6. months. You also have to go 16 different places to see about work and then drive approximately 80 to 90 miles round trip when there is a Job Service Office within 20 miles round trip. Then the Job Service spends money to verify the fact that you have been at that place looking for work, This is done by telephone. As an example, my income is below proverty and with no transportation of Do you know what the deal is with the Government trying to take away the Veteran Organization's Non-Profit Status because of them having paid Lobbyist? And is there anyway, by writing the Legislators that I can help keep the Non-Profit Statis. Sorry, I haven't back to you sooner, but, thought I might get some more idea. If there is anyway I can help let me know. American Legion PUFL 8264 1982 card Number IA. 2-PUFL-0039 Post 520 Unit 520 American Legion Auxiliary Card No. B460452 Sincerely, Mrs. Sylvia J. Klonis MALVERN, IOWA Member of Ia. American Legion & Natl. Press Assocs. 51551 |