With the state of Kansas still in a desperate financial state, some have once again suggested taxing everything from Girl Scout Cookies to 4-H programs. If Girl Scout Cookies are eligible for sales tax in 2010, it could mean a potential loss of nearly $250,000 for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Council-money currently being used to support important programs such as Financial Aid, Outreach, summer camps, volunteer training, etc.

What can you do about it?  Thanks to your tremendous support last year, state legislators heard our message loud and clear. This year, we need you to take action again. Contact your state legislator as soon as possible and tell them to keep Girl Scout Cookies sales-tax exempt. With your help, our voice will be heard!

3 Easy Steps to Contact Your State Legislator:

1. Click on or copy and paste this link into your e-mail browser to find your state legislator's contact information: http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/redistricting.do

2. Use the message template below to compose and send an e-mail to your local legislator. (Please copy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on all e-mails so we can note how many e-mails were sent.)

3. Hit send!


E-mail Message Template:

Dear______________

I'm proud to be a part of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland-the preeminent leadership organization for girls. As one of your constituents, I'm writing you to voice my concern over the possible change to the non-profit tax codes.

The taxation of Girl Scout Cookies would be extremely detrimental to our organization, and could result in a loss of nearly $250,000-endangering valuable programs such as financial aid, volunteer training and Outreach (a program to bring Girl Scouting to girls in underprivileged areas).

Some have suggested that we simply raise the price of a box of Cookies to offset the sales-tax expense, but national statistics indicate that Girl Scout councils who have recently raised prices have experienced as much as a 20% drop in sales-meaning it is not a feasible option to pass the sales-tax expense on to the consumer.

I ask you to consider the future of the 13,000 girl and adult members of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland that reside in 80 Kansas counties when making your decision about the taxation of Girl Scout Cookies. The success of our organization depends on you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Name Here)