August 8, 2000 | Vol. 2, No. 27

This Week in Washington...

For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org

So Much to Do, So Little Time: With many issues of keen importance to the organized American Jewish community as yet not completed by the 106^th Congress, a reminder of what awaits the House and Senate on their return from August recess for an abbreviated election year session:

Violence Against Woman Act (VAWA): Status – A five year reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act has been completed in committee and awaits floor action in both chambers. The legislation (HR1248 and S2787) provides funds for programs which help victims of domestic violence. Follow up - Member agencies should continue to press legislators to pass this important legislation before adjournment. (See JCPA Action Alert, April 12, 2000)

Hate Crime Legislation: Status - The Senate passed the "Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act" in June to amend and strengthen laws against hate crimes. Follow up – Efforts need to be redoubled during this recess to emphasize to House members that session should not end without enacting this legislation. The JCPA has joined with more than 100 hate crimes coalition partners to launch an initiative to raise awareness about the need for passage, and information concerning this effort can be accessed at www.unitedagainsthate.org.

Tax Exemption for Holocaust Assets Restitution Payments: Status – Your hard work paid off! The good news is that 22 Senators from both sides of the aisle have become co-sponsors of legislation that would make Holocaust related payment tax exempt. (See JCPA Action Alert, May 24, 2000) Follow up - Despite broad support for the initiative from Congress and the Administration, the legislation (S779 and HR 390) will become law only if constituents stress its importance by mail, email and phone to members. JCPA member agencies are urged to mobilize their membership to contact legislators again and urge that this important legislation be passed.

Middle East Peace Process Support Act: Status - If the September 13^th deadline results in a unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state, Congress is ready with legislation which would ban funding to non-governmental organizations which support the Palestinian Authority. It would also instruct the President to oppose any recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations. The initiative was introduced by Senators Brownback (KS) and Schumer (NY) in the Senate and Representatives Reynolds (NY) and Nadler (NY) before Congress adjourned for August.

Charitable Choice Initiatives: Status - There are currently at least ten "Charitable Choice" initiatives pending in Congress, with the "fast track" candidate contained in the New Markets Initiative intended to address economically depressed communities. An agreement on a House version has already been worked out between Speaker Hastert (IL) and President Clinton. The Senate version (S.2779) introduced by Senators Santorum (PA) and Lieberman (CT) includes a provision to automatically add the "charitable choice" provision to any present and future public health or social service bill that uses federal funds. Follow up - Legislators need to understand that, as written, these provisions will violate the religious liberties of program beneficiaries and employees of service providers, and would also entangle the government in the affairs of churches, synagogues and other houses of worship.

The Day is Short, The Task is Great: Passage of other initiatives such as modest gun control legislation, patients bill of rights legislation, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and an increase in the minimum wage face dim prospects as Congress returns to fewer than 20 legislative days if it hopes to meet the proposed October 6^th adjournment date.

Stay Tuned: Next week – Appropriations issues of concern to our community…

This Week in New York...

For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org

Missed The News This Morning? JCPA staff has been fielding calls all day from around the country concerning tomorrow’s scheduled announcement by Vice President Gore. JCPA has emailed and/or faxed talking points regarding the crucial 501(c) (3) questions. Please contact us if you have not received this material or need a copy of the JCPA July 11^th memo pertaining to 501 (c) (3) issues. Contact rprice@thejcpa.org or bga@thejcpa.org with any important community reaction or press coverage.