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Andrew HeiskellAndrew Heiskell
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proposal. Strangely enough the greatest victims of it were the non-profits. This at the same time as President Reagan was publicly making great declarations about how the government should get out of everything and turn it over to private enterprise and private philanthropy. So, I did take advantage of my position to write Nancy Reagan, thanking her for the luncheon that the president and she had given for the arts medal. He was there and said all the right things. I added, in my letter--

Q:

Give the date of the letter.

Heiskell:

April 25, 1985.

--“With all the torrent of events that beset you I hate to ask a further question. I do know that the president received our memorandum about the effect of the proposed tax reform on charitable contributions. In view of the fact that the administration's bill will be proposed in the near future, it would mean a lot if the president were to send our memorandum along to Jim Baker. My real appreciation for all you have done dear honorary chairman,” etcetera. I attached a memorandum on the impact of Treasury tax proposals on arts and humanities, which was quite forceful. Somewhat to my surprise, I shortly thereafter received a note from the White House. “Dear Andrew. A quick note before leaving for the economic summit. We just wanted to tell you that your concern about the charitable contribution has been taken care of. Not to worry. Sincerely, Nancy.”





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