National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund Report

The board of NCPTF met on May 4 and 5 at the NCPTF office in Washington, DC. The meeting was bittersweet for me in that it was my last as a board member. After travelling across the country for a dozen years, it was time to end my official connection to the board although I will continue to support NCPTF in any way I can.

The meetings began with our usual introductions and descriptions of what we had been doing for NCPTF since our last meeting. Staff reports followed from Bethany Criss, the Executive Director. The Campaign, as are most non-profits in this economic downturn, is struggling economically. A new effort is being launched to secure a volunteer contact person from each Congressional district in the country within the next 6 months. Each new contact will commit to joining NCPTF, writing a letter once a month to his/her representative (and encouraging others in the district to do the same), and agreeing to raise $200 for the Campaign each year. It is hoped that this effort will help solve our financial woes as well as generate the necessary pressure to get legislation passed.

This board meeting was also the unveiling of a new book of Marian Franz' writings and corroborative materials by some of her colleagues. A Persistent Voice, published by Cascadia Press, includes 47 of Marian's editorials from the NCPTF newsletters, and 7 other chapters on the various aspects of legislation, tax resistance and international growth of the peace tax fund issue. Edited by David Bassett, Tim Godshall and myself, it is hoped that this book might lead to greater understanding and support for the Peace Tax Fund. It is also a tribute to Marian's commitment and persistence in keeping this issue alive on Capitol Hill.

There is also a sense of optimism about the prospects of passing the Peace Tax Fund bill. With a Democratic Congress and President, there is greater openness to this issue. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, lead sponsor of the RFPTF bill, continues to provide leadership to an issue that doesn't sit at the top of many representative's list. However, he sees it as a justice issue and continues to sponsor and encourage others to support. Hopefully, with more pressure from constituents, there might be some movement on this issue.

I am very grateful to Mennonite Church USA for its continued support of the National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund. It is significant to have that support.

Because it is with your support and others that we are able to continue to witness to the rights of conscience and religious freedom that Mennonites have fostered for many decades. I am also appreciative of the financial support you have given me over the years which made it possible for me to be a part of this important task.

Steve Ratzlaff
6039 N. Roosevelt
Fresno, CA 93704