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ACTION ALERT

FEMA plans to give your tax dollars to churches and other religious groups for charity provided to hurricane evacuees

Sept. 26, 2005 - Many individuals and organizations opened their doors and wallets to help the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The charitable acts of providing shelter, clothing, medical care, food, water and other resources demonstrate our humanity and are one of the many strengths of our nation. Now FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) is giving preference to religious organizations by providing retroactive reimbursements for their voluntary actions. The reimbursements would cover, as reported in the Washington Post on Sept. 27, rent on the facilities used in the charitable activities and labor costs. This payment plan to religious organizations conducting voluntary charity following a natural disaster is unprecedented and is a gross violation of the separation of church and state.

Take a Stand: E-mail FEMA to urge them to reconsider this violation of our constitutional rights. Our government should not single out and reward religious organizations for their charitable efforts, and then stick taxpayers with the bill. If FEMA continues to pursue this policy, please contact FEMA to request compensation for the efforts your secular organization(s) devoted to the Katrina relief effort. When refused compensation, ask for the reason for denying your claim and send us their response.