January 23, 2003

SENATOR CAPPIELLO AND REP. GODFREY PROPOSE LEGISLATION
TO ASSIST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

State Senator David Cappiello (R-24th) and State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-110th) have proposed legislation to help not-for-profit organizations raise money through raffle tickets sales. State Senate Bill 263 would allow non-profit organizations to accept credit cards, debit cards, checks and cash as payment for raffle tickets. Current state law prevents people from charging raffle tickets on a credit card.

"With nearly everyone from high school students to seniors making use of credit cards virtually everyday, it only makes sense that Connecticut allow people to buy raffle tickets using charge cards," said Senator Cappiello. "In fact, to my knowledge Connecticut is the only state in the nation with such a law in place. Money raised by these sales go towards a variety of worthy causes, and we need to promote these sales, not hinder them."

Representative Godfrey concurred.

"This bill is about flexibility," Rep. Godfrey said. "Flexibility for charities that sell raffle tickets and for the people who buy them - and we hope that greater flexibility will lead to greater sales for these charitable organizations. Using a credit card will also provide buyers with a paper trail when they claim tax deductions."

Senator Cappiello has proposed similar legislation the last four Legislative Sessions. He began his push for this cause following a conversation he had with Gary Kozak, President and CEO of the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut in Brookfield.

"Mr. Kozak informed me that sales for the YMCA’s three-care raffle went down significantly after state officials informed them that they were not to accept credit cards as payment for the raffle tickets," said Senator Cappiello. "This old state law, in my eyes, serves little purpose other than to prevent quality organizations like the YMCA from meeting their fundraising goals and providing much needed services to Connecticut citizens."