The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

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March 9, 2011

Letter: Fight sales tax on Scouting fundraisers

In this current Georgia legislative session, lawmakers recently introduced House Bill 385, which includes specific provisions that would require a sales tax on Girl Scout cookie and Boy Scout popcorn fundraisers. These two not-for-profit organizations are heavily dependent on fundraising efforts to provide the programming, civic engagement and leadership training that positively engages hundreds of thousands of young people throughout the state.  

House Bill 385 would take money directly from the Girl Scout and Boy Scout funding that supports camps and pays for their Scouting programs. The financial model for both organizations serves children from all economic strata and is dependent upon low-cost membership dues, donations and fundraising efforts such as these. The Girl Scout cookie and Boy Scout popcorn programs also teach our young people entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

If passed, this legislation would require children to calculate and collect sales tax and would place a significant administrative burden on councils to comply. A sales tax on Girl Scout and Boy Scout fundraisers would result in a decreased program for thousands of children. These fundraisers strengthen the program for all Scouts and have been a reliable source for keeping metropolitan Atlanta Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as significant contributors to the quality of life that makes our communities a desirable place for tens of thousands of families.

We encourage you to voice your opinion on this issue. Contact your state representative and state senators regarding House Bill 385.   

Thank you for your continued support of Scouting.

   

Marilyn Midyette

Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta



Tracy A. Techau

Scout Executive/CEO

Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

 

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