My Experience in Washington

Guest Blogger Lauren Steier - Educational Leadership Consultant

 

The first time I had the opportunity to represent Delta Zeta on a national level was two years ago on Capitol Hill. In April of 2010, as a junior in college, I was selected to lobby members of Congress to support the Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act (CHIA). Some readers may think, ‘oh politics, I’m not into that,’ however this piece of legislation could impact many Delta Zeta chapters around the country.

As tax law currently stands, monetary donations given to universities and colleges for improvements to dorm buildings or other student facilities are tax deductible. Donations to improve the structures or facilities of sorority and fraternity housing, however, are not tax deductible. CHIA would help level the playing field and allow sorority and fraternity donors to give tax-exempt donations to help improve the safety and living conditions of organization housing. The fraternity/sorority community is asking for nothing more than for the same tax status that universities already receive for their student infrastructures.

When I arrived in Washington DC, I did not know what to expect. What I came across though, was a group of influential interfraternal leaders from across the country that hoped to change a piece of tax code for the better. After two days of learning about the legislation and how to lobby, hundreds of fraternity/sorority students and alumni hit Capitol Hill to gain support for this bill.

While dozens more co-sponsors were added to the list, the legislation is still at a standstill. Members of Greek-letter organizations across the country  are still working hard each day to see CHIA pass in order to help improve fraternity/sorority student housing.   

To find out more information on The Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act or to get involved, please visit the Capitol Fraternal Caucus’ Website at: http://www.fraternalcaucus.org.