Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. press release, March 21, 2001

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 Lutherville, Maryland 21093 315 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: Henry Fawell Wednesday, March 2 1 , 200 1 202/225-306 1 Congressman Ehrlich Introduces Legislation to Clarify Non-Profit Organization Mailing Laws WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (MD-2) today joined House Government Reform Chairman Dan Burton (IN-6) to introduce bipartisan legislation that clarifies regulations pertaining to contribution solicitations by nonprofit organizations. “During a time in which Congress and President Bush are asking nonprofits to play a larger role in our society while relying on less government funding, it is imperative that nonprofits communicate with Americans who generously contribute to their causes,” Congressman Ehrlich said. “This legislation will give our nation’s nonprofits and the small businesses that help fund¬ raise for them peace of mind that they have been acting in accordance with the law.” House Government Reform Chairman Dan Burton said, “Congressman Ehrlich and I are working together to ensure postal regulations are clarified for the benefit of America’s non-profit community.” Specifically, the legislation clarifies ambiguities in The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 (PRA), which established a nonprofit mail rate for charities and other nonprofit organizations. In recent years, the U.S. Postal Service has increasingly applied PRA regulations which disqualify nonprofits that enter into agreements with professional fund-raising services to produce and administer mailings. This legislation would allow nonprofits to share ownership of their mailing with a professional fund-raising service and still qualify for the nonprofit mailing rate. Kelly Browning, Executive Vice President of the American Institute for Cancer Research, stated, “I would like to commend Congressman Ehrlich for his support of this legislation, as well as in his efforts in introducing similar legislation last December.” Congressman Ehrlich explained, “Postal regulatory barriers are not only hindering the efforts of small mailing and fund-raising businesses, but also unintentionally separating Americans from their favorite nonprofits. This initiative allows nonprofits and small businesses to efficiently and effectively obtain much-needed donations. ” ###