Rep. John Delaney, D-Md., and Bradley Byrne, R-Ala., recently introduced the Don't Tax Higher Education Act (H.R. 5220), legislation that would repeal the 1.4 percent excise tax on the net investment income of certain private colleges and universities included in the new tax law. CASE supports repealing the tax.

In Rep. Delaney's press release announcing the introduction of H.R. 5220, CASE President and CEO Sue Cunningham stated, "We applaud Representatives Delaney and Byrne for their commitment to eliminating this unnecessary and misguided tax. Our tax policy should encourage donors to make charitable gifts supporting wider access through scholarships, research and academic programs at colleges, universities and independent schools. It should not penalize donor generosity by taxing the endowed charitable gifts of donors, redirecting critical funds away from supporting the important work of educational institutions." CASE plans to work with Reps. Delaney and Byrne to build support for H.R. 5220.

Since its introduction, the following six lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors:

• Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
• Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.)
• Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.)
• Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.)
• Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.)
• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)

Learn more by visiting the CASE Advocacy Action Center. You can also join the CASE Advocacy Network to get frequent updates on the status of H.R. 5220.

This article is from the May 2018 BriefCASE issue.