ACTION ALERT
Important and timely legislative information for members
of the Association of Art Museum Curators
March 16, 2009
U. S. Representatives John Lewis and Todd Platts Introduce the Artist-Museum Partnership Act – H. R. 1126
Communication with YOUR Member of Congress is Needed!
ISSUE:
On February 23, Representatives John Lewis (D-GA) and Todd Platts (R-PA) introduced the Artist-Museum Partnership Act (H.R. 1126) in the U. S. House of Representatives. This legislation proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code allowing artists, writers, scholars and composers to receive the fair market value tax deduction when donating their works to public institutions or charitable organizations. Under current law, if a living artist donates their work to a public institution or charitable organization, they are only allowed a tax deduction for the cost of materials.
The passage of this bipartisan bill would not only make the tax code fair and equitable, it would also be great benefit to museums throughout the country and the communities they serve. But, to be successful in moving this legislation forward, Congressmen Lewis and Platts need our help. So, we ask your participation in one of the following activities to educate your member of Congress about the importance of the bill and ask for their support.
ACTION NEEDED:
Please CALL, FAX, or EMAIL your member of Congress as soon as possible. Urge your member of Congress to co-sponsor the Artist-Museum Partnership Act (H. R. 1126) by contacting Miguel Martinez of Congressman Lewis’ office at (202) 225-3801 or Rebecca Wolfkiel of Congressman Platts’ office at (202) 225-5836. To assist you in your communications efforts, please see the attached issue brief and sample letter.
Contacting Your Member of Congress:
To identify your member of Congress and their contact information access www.congress.gov; type your zip code; and then click on your U.S. Representative to obtain their telephone, fax or email information.
Also, remember to let us know or send copies of any correspondence you have with your members of Congress to the Association of Art Museum Curators at sally.block@artcurators.org