Hirono Bill on Tax Relief for Philippines Donations Passes Senate

The U.S. Senate this week unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Sens. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dean Heller (R-NV), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) “that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines,” according to Hirono’s office.

The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act aims to “spur donations” to charitable groups by allowing taxpayers who donate to relief efforts to receive tax benefits faster than usual.

The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Mike Thompson (CA-05), who Hirono’s office says “will be working to get the bill a vote” in the coming months. U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard are co-sponsors.

Read the entire piece at: http://hawaii.news.blogs.civilbeat.com/post/78881379469/hirono-bill-on-tax-relief-for-philippines-donations