On April 23, 2009, Representative John Lewis (GA-05), along with ten cosponsors, introduced the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill as H.R. 2085 in the 111th Congress. If passed, this legislation would establish a governmental trust fund into which designated conscientious objectors would be able to pay their full federal income taxes. The accumulated revenue would then be allocated yearly by Congress to any federal program that is unrelated to military purposes.

Dear Representative Levin:

We the undersigned are respectfully petitioning in support of H.R. 2085, the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill. This legislation, introduced by Representative John Lewis and ten cosponsors on April 23, 2009, seeks to establish an alternative means for those who seek to pay their full share of taxes, without providing for military expenditures. If passed, this legislation would establish a governmental trust fund into which designated conscientious objectors would be able to pay their full federal income taxes. The accumulated revenue would then be allocated yearly by Congress to any federal program that is unrelated to military purposes. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and as the acting chairman, we ask that you take the opportunity to bring it before the full House.

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter.

Sincerely,