The cynical among us might wonder about legislation introduced last week, the Universal Giving Pandemic Response Act, which is endorsed by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. After all, a crisis such as the pandemic can be the time when causes find convenient new rationales. But the proposal to increase the so-called “above-the line” income tax deduction for charitable giving, currently set at a meager $300 for those who don’t itemize their tax returns, is a bona fide response that will help organizations which have, under duress, expanded their purposes to include helping those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19.
Even if this bill doesn't make it to the Senate floor, lawmakers should seriously consider making it a part of a potential phase four coronavirus relief package. After all, charitable and nonprofit organizations for years have assisted and lifted up our most vulnerable members of society, and amid the current crisis, more Americans than ever are showing up in need at their doors.
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