Whether it is drug counseling, tutoring, safe housing, help with pregnancy, food or clothing, there are numerous leaders in Ohio and throughout the nation who lend a helping hand and a loving heart with acts of generosity and charity on a daily basis. Congress has been working with the President to recognize the good works of groups who help the less fortunate. These groups help young people and single parents find employment, help keep kids out of trouble, feed those who are hungry, and simply give people in distress a little bit of comfort. The summit was an exciting step in bringing together leaders to explore how the public and private sectors can work together to help the poor and neediest in our communities. This opportunity was successful because it explored and shared ways to provide resources and services efficiently and effectively to address some of the most difficult challenges of society, such as strengthening families, expanding economic opportunity, and ensuring educational opportunities for all.
Charity is a virtue that transcends party lines.
That is why we need to do all we can to help the quiet heroes who are lifting lives and healing neighborhoods one heart and one act of kindness at a time. Government cannot be replaced by charities, nor should it, but if we can provide charitable giving incentives and other ways to support faith-based organizations, then we should do that. President Bush feels strongly about that and many of us in Congress do too. That is why the Community Solutions Act was introduced last month in Congress. The Community Solutions Act will help charitable organizations by expanding the charitable tax deduction, which will encourage taxpayers to donate more freely to faith-based groups.