February 11, 2010

The Honorable Robert Wittman
1318 Longworth House Office Building
United States House of Representatives
District of Columbia 20515-4601


Dear Representative Wittman:

As a resident of your voting district, I’m writing to urge you to sponsor and vote in favor of bill H.R. 213 (USE S. which will repeal the sunsetting of the Adoption Tax Credit in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.

As a couple suffering from infertility we endured two years of fertility treatments that not only drained us emotionally, mentally and physically, but it also drained us financially. Unfortunately, unlike Illinois and 14 other states, Virginia does not have a state law mandating coverage of medical treatments for infertility. We had to pay for everything out of pocket and, with the average treatment ranging from $3,000 - $15,000 a month, you can see how quickly that can add up.

The fertility treatments did not work for us, so adopting is our only choice for creating a family. Without the adoption tax credit, which is scheduled to sunset in December of 2010, we will not be able to afford domestic adoption. I’m sure many of the 120,000 families looking to adopt each year will also not be able to afford domestic adoption, which can cost between $20,000 - $40,000.

If the Adoption Tax Credit is not saved, it will no doubt be a crushing blow to the families looking to adopt. However, that is nothing compared to the impact it will have on the children who are looking for a family to love and care for them. Without the tax credit, these children may end up in child welfare system, costing the state much more than the amount of the tax credit.

Also, the recent tragedy in Haiti reinforces how important this tax relief will be to Haitian orphans who will need homes once the tragedy is sorted out. Many adoptions of these orphans will not be finalized in 2010, leaving many families who are trying to help those precious children with financial hardship.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Please sponsor and vote in favor of bill H.R. 213 and show how much you care about the children and adoptive families in your community.


Sincerely

Your Name