As our nation enters a pivotal presidential election year, it will be critically important to promote and defend free markets and individual freedom in California and throughout the country. The Pacific Research Institute remains committed to advancing policies that champion liberty and prosperity to better the lives of Californians and all Americans. Thanks to the support of our generous donors like you, we are making sure that candidates, policymakers, the media, and the public are equipped with the research and original ideas on important issues like education, health care, energy, and entrepreneurship that will revive liberty in our country once again.
This year has been one of PRI’s busiest to date. From the release of major research publications on policy barriers to entrepreneurship and the benefits of charter schools to exposing the false promise of single-payer health care, PRI is responding to our state and nation’s complex policy challenges with rigorous research and innovative solutions that lay the groundwork for positive change. As an example, check out the new webpage we put recently developed to track the growing public opposition to proposals for single-payer. I’m encouraged by the feedback and support that we’ve received in response to our research projects and outreach initiatives.
To date in 2019, more than 1,000 individuals and private foundations have joined with us to further position PRI as the premier organization for free-market policy in the state of California. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will support our 2019 Year-End Fundraising Campaign with a tax-deductible donation before December 31. Your gift will support our vital work to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care, a school that meets their educational needs, and a job that fulfills them and provides for them and their families.
Additionally, we have made a number of options available to you as you make your year-end giving plans, including:
- Giving appreciated stock, which helps PRI advance its mission while eliminating capital gains taxes for you as a donor.
- Making a gift to PRI from your individual retirement account (IRA). This is an especially convenient option for those age 70½ or older and required to take minimum distributions.
- Including PRI in your will or trust. Please talk to your accountant.
- Listing PRI as a beneficiary of retirement accounts and insurance policies. These options allow your heirs to avoid paying taxes on these assets, while avoiding complicated legal procedures.
If you do choose to make a legacy gift using one of the above options, please let us know so that we can welcome you as a Legacy Donor in the Sir Antony Fisher Freedom Society, a group of our closest friends and most loyal supporters. You can read more about the Society and its benefits at this link: https://www.pacificresearch.org/sir-antony-fisher-freedom-society/
As I mentioned in my recent note to supporters, whether it addresses national issues, like Lance Izumi’s research showing how school choice best meets the needs of every students, or local ones, like Kerry Jackson’s research on poverty and homelessness in California and Dr. Wayne Winegarden’s work showing how big government energy policies hurt poor and minority communities, PRI is steadfastly committed to advance policy solutions that improve lives.
Our work would not be possible without the support of those who share our commitment to a free society where individuals can achieve their full potential. I hope that we can count on your continued financial support to promote and advance policies that emphasize a free economy, private initiative, and opportunity for all. Thank you for standing with PRI.
Ben Smithwick is vice president of development at the Pacific Research Institute.
