May 9, 2001
TO: Honorable Members of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee
FROM: Edward J. Huck
RE: AB 250
Chairperson Lehman, members... the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities is testifying against AB 250 for the following reasons:
I would like to read directly from a 1932 YMCA Article of Incorporation in the City of Appleton. From Article Six:
| "…Voting membership shall be open to any male at least eighteen
years of age who complies with the requirements of the Association regarding membership
fees and any other requirements for participating membership which this Association may
establish, and who also conform to one or more of the following requirements: (1) Is a
member of an evangelical church (2) Who subscribes in writing to the following: "I
hereby declare my faith in God, and my acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I
desire to serve him and be his disciple in accordance with the teachings of the New
Testament and to unite with others in the extension of the Kingdom of God. I am in full accord with the following purpose of the Young Men’s Christian Association, and commit myself to its voluntary service and support: To lead young men to faith in God through Jesus Christ; to promote their growth into fullness of Christian Character; to lead them into active membership in the church of their choice; and to make the extension of the Kingdom of God through out the world the purpose of their lives." |
I think we can all agree the Association has evolved from an organization where physical health was incidental to spiritual health to an organization where spiritual health is incidental to physical health.
I would also like to point out that the YMCA in downtown Pittsburgh went through a similar examination. The case was settled twice by negotiation. Although the Ys declare they have never been taxed in the United States, they have been on the City of Pittsburgh’s rolls since 1985. I have provided you with copies of the court case and the settlements.
Each YMCA, except for the 2% it pays to its national organization, dedicates its resources in the service of its members and the community in which it is located. When we judge a charitable organization we frequently ask, "What percent of its resources is dedicated to the mission of the organization?" Today we ask, before you consider this very broad tax exemption language, "What is the mission of each, individual YMCA? How much of each individual YMCA’s resources go to serve whom? And, what will each individual YMCA evolve into given these new powers and opportunities?"
As we speak, this bill may be added to the state budget. I am also asking all of the members of the legislature to remove the bill from the budget and allow it to go through the legislative process. Thank you.
