Save The Adoption Tax Credit

I rarely discuss political issues here on the blog. I choose to keep things here on the lighter side of life most of the time, because, frankly, I choose to keep my eyes and mind focused on the positive and the uplifting. I think we'd all agree that there's enough to drag us down out there on the internet. I don't really need to add to it and if I'm being frank, much of what I might have to say regarding political issues would have the tendency to bring out the snark. If not in me, then I am sure in others. I choose not to go there.

But this issue, currently going before the Ways and Means Committee in Washington, is important to me. And I'd like to encourage you to educate yourself about it and the issues surrounding it. There are several really great resources you can use to do that and I've listed them below. But what I really want to encourage you to do is to ACT upon what you learn once you read up on the topic. And I've added a "form letter" of sorts for you to do just that.

To learn more about what the Adoption Tax Credit is (specifically HR 4373, The Making Adoption Affordable Act of 2012) head to Creating a Family. The highlighted post is a "primer" on the credit and the proposed changes. But the site itself is chock full of great information to educate yourself.

To learn more about keeping up with the activities surrounding HR 4373, head to this blog post and follow the suggestions at the bottom of the post.

If you are active on F@ceb00k, you can "like" the "Save The Adoption Tax Credit" page for regular updates, ways to share information with others, and contacts for finding your representatives in Washington to urge them to act as your representative in this issue. While you are on FB, consider joining the Creating a Family site there, too. Again, great information and great support for all issues related to building strong families.

Finally, if you desire to contact your representative(s), below is the letter that I sent on behalf of The Boss and I. I am completely fine with you using my words, using my letter as a jumping off point, or as an example to share with others. I just want you to strongly consider doing SOMETHING with what you know.

Dear Representative XYZ:

I am writing to you today to ask you, no, to urge you, to please consider throwing your whole-hearted support behind the proposed HR 4373 Making Adoption Affordable Act. Currently it is before the Ways and Means Committee, with cosponsors, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) and Steve Rothman (D-NJ).

As one of MANY adoptive families within your district, we are living first-hand the joys and blessings of one finalized adoption. And we are well on our way toward our second adoption. We are blessed to be able to fill our home with the love of this beautiful sweetie God has sent us and are anxious to meet the next one He is preparing for our home. As a citizen of a nation that is built on the institute of strong families, it is our strong opinion that the kind of support that HR 4373 offers for building healthy families is in the VERY BEST interest of our nation. We hope that you agree and will consider representing us well over this issue.

Again, we urge you to speak out to your peers in the legislature, support the act, and represent families like us WELL by supporting HR 4373, Making Adoption Affordable Act.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
The Gang's Momma and The Boss

Thank you for taking some time to read this. I sincerely hope that you will consider speaking out in one or many of the ways listed above. This issue is near and dear to The Gang's heart and affects many, many families that we know and love.