It only takes a minute...

If you haven't already done so please send a letter to your senators and congressmen to ask them to work to extend the adoption tax credit! David and I have been busy this week sending out letters and doing our part. Here is an example of the letter you can send:

SAMPLE LETTER TO YOUR SENATOR or CONGRESSMAN:

The Honorable FIRST NAME LAST NAME
U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives
OFFICE ADDRESS
Washington, D.C. ZIP CODE

Dear Senator LAST NAME:

My family and I are your constituents in NAME OF TOWN. We request your support of The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213

The adoption tax credit that this legislation would make permanent is very important to my family and me. Without this significant financial help, we would not have been able (or would have found it very difficult) to adopt our beloved son (or daughter), NAME. I include a photo of my son/daughter.

As you may know, adoption expenses can easily exceed $20,000, a significant sum to most families. (Or, if your expenses were more, say so.) Without the adoption tax credit, we would probably not be able to adopt another child.

I truly believe that the adoption expense tax credit results in many more children without homes finding new, loving families like my own.
I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 213. This legislation is so important to me that I will be following its progress through Congress. Thank you in advance for your support of this legislation that truly serves children who need new families.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

You can find your representatives contact information at this link https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml, please take the time to send a letter!

I even decided to ask for adoption benefits at my work and sent a letter to a higher up to ask him to rally on my behalf. Currently my company offers two weeks paid vacation for adoptive mothers which is six weeks less than mothers who deliver their own children. My team had lunch with this individual and I decided that he seemed like someone that would care. I sent him an e-mail Friday afternoon and by Monday morning he had forwarded it to the directors of HR saying they need to discuss adoption benefits at their next big meeting because it's something he feels they should do! I really pray that they change the policy b/c it would make this waiting so much more worth while knowing I would be eligible for the same benefits and any other new mom!