CETUSA has been supporting the efforts of the exchange community to increase the tax deduction benefit from $50 per month to $400 per month for volunteer host families. A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Utah District 1 Congressman Rob Bishop and cosponsored by New York District 14 Congressman Joseph Crowley that will make this change. Please contact your congressman/congresswoman to express your support for this bill! You can find your representative, send them an email, and let them know how important this legislation is to supporting an incredible program. Share your stories and the impact this experience has had on you, your family and your community!
Without our volunteer host families, the J-1 High School Exchange program would not be possible. We need to do what we can to support their ability to participate in this life changing experience!
Sample Email/Letter:
Dear Congressman,
I am writing to express my strong support for bill HR 4296. I have been involved as a (host parent/teacher/friend/community supporter) with the J-1 High School Exchange program through Council for Educational Travel, USA (CETUSA). The experience has made a huge impact on me and provided an unbelievable opportunity to learn about other cultures and to share our American culture. We need to support the volunteer host families who make this exchange experience possible.
Please support HR 4296 and increase the tax deduction for volunteer host families from $50 per month of hosting an international exchange student to $400 per month of hosting an international exchange student.
Thank you,
Your Name
Your Voting District