February 27, 2003

Smith Targets Hunger, Will Form Senate Caucus

Smith Cosponsors Legislation Providing Incentives For Farmers to Assist in Relief Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) announced that he is a cosponsor of the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act (S. 85) which creates a special rule allowing a charitable deduction for donations of food inventory. Smith also announced that he will found a Senate Hunger Caucus to target the nation's growing domestic hunger rate.

According to a Brandeis Universtiy report, Oregon has the highest statewide prevalence of hunger. Relief could come more quickly as key elements of the Good Samaritan Hunger Relief Tax Incentive Act have already been included as part of the CARE Act (S. 256), which is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor.

"Hunger is the most painful symptom of a struggling economy, and Oregon is suffering terribly," said Smith. "Enlisting our farmers, ranchers, and producers in the fight against hunger is one of the best ways to confront this serious problem."

Smith's Hunger Caucus will focus on raising awareness of the domestic hunger issue, funding priorities, and working on legislative initiatives. In the coming weeks, Smith will work to gain bipartisan, multi-regional membership in the Caucus, and will seek input from organizations such as the Oregon Food Bank to advance new approaches.

"This is an issue that can't be put on the back burner, help must come, and it must come swiftly," Smith said. "I like the possibilities of an engaged group of lawmakers and experts working together in a deliberative attempt to address this pressing problem."

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