I humbly request that you honor the honorable ones in Virginia's legislatures of the past by continuing to support the good work of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and voting NO on HB1699. If this bill were to be passed, it would bring great harm to the beneficial work accomplished by the United Daughters of the Confederacy all over the USA. The UDC honors veterans and current military personnel and maintains many cemeteries and cares for grave markers of veterans. This organization quickly responds with kindness and compassion whenever needs arise. HB1699 comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth of Virginia when the South was invaded in 1861. This same General Assembly encouraged the UDC to locate its headquarters in Richmond in 1950. Now the General Assembly wants to take away the UDC’s tax exemptions. This would cause great harm to the amount of benevolent, educational, memorial, patriotic and historical activities that the UDC performs each year. It is disappointing that public comments were not allowed to be made at the Finance Committee meeting last Monday. We prayerfully look for fairness and good resolution to this issue. Once again, I respectfully request that you vote NO on HB1699.

As this organization provides services to other charities and organizations I feel this bill should not be passed. It would be a financial strain on the organization... they do not ask for assistance from the government but provide services not provided by other organizations.

Dear Members of the Finance Committee, as a descendant of Benjamin Harrison, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence and two-time Governor of Virginia, I humbly request that you honor the honorable ones in Virginia's legislatures of the past by continuing to support the good work of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and voting NO on HB1699. If this bill were to be passed, it would bring great harm to the beneficial work accomplished by the United Daughters of the Confederacy all over the USA. The members of this organization preserve a true and accurate history of the War Between the States. The UDC honors veterans and current military personnel and maintains many cemeteries and cares for grave markers of veterans. The UDC preserves many historical artifacts and books. The UDC bestows numerous scholarships each year to aid students in pursuing their education. Benevolent activities of the UDC are varied and generous. Recently, UDC members have donated money, warm clothing and blankets, water, first aid supplies, baby diapers, items for personal hygiene, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and toys for those affected by Hurricane Helene in multiple states. This organization quickly responds with kindness and compassion whenever needs arise. HB1699 comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth of Virginia when the South was invaded in 1861. This same General Assembly encouraged the UDC to locate its headquarters in Richmond in 1950. Now the General Assembly wants to take away the UDC’s tax exemptions. This would cause great harm to the amount of benevolent, educational, memorial, patriotic and historical activities that the UDC performs each year. It is disappointing that public comments were not allowed to be made at the Finance Committee meeting last Monday. We prayerfully look for fairness and good resolution to this issue. Once again, I respectfully request that you vote NO on HB1699.

The UDC is an inclusive necessary part of American History. Its daily support of ancestors and present day organizations call positive attention to the patriotism of all colors. This bill is targeting the USD for one reason only to destroy American history at its core. VOTE NO on this bill.

The UDC is an inclusive necessary part of American History. Its daily support of ancestors and present day organizations call positive attention to the patriotism of all colors. This bill is targeting the USD for one reason only to destroy American history at its core. VOTE NO on this bill.

The UDC is an inclusive necessary part of American History. Its daily support of ancestors and present day organizations call positive attention to the patriotism of all colors. This bill is targeting the USD for one reason only to destroy American history at its core. VOTE BO on this bill.

Please vote against the Bill HB 1699! We ladies help the aging community ,meal on wheels. We give scholarships for the young people. We help the homeless veterans. Thank you , Mrs. Sussman

Dear Members of the Virginia Finance Committee, I urge you to vote NO on HB 1699. As you consider the impact of this legislation, please strive to ensure that your actions reflect fairness, equity and goodwill for not only Virginians, but also for citizens of all the United States. Abraham Lincoln's profound words from his second inaugural address - "with malice toward none, with charity for all" serve as a timeless reminder of the principles of compassion and justice that should guide your decisions. This bill risks creating unintended consequences that could disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. I encourage you to prioritize policies that uplift all citizens rather than impose unnecessary burdens. Please vote against HB 1699 in the interest of fairness and equity for Virginians and beyond. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Michele Ruth

Please vote NO on HB 1699. The UDC has a long history of honoring our ancestors and veterans and helping our community in so many other ways. If passed, this would increase our financial burden, seriously inhibiting our future charitable activities. Please don't allow this to happen.

Please vote NO on HB-1699. The UDC is a charitable organization , and is no different than the DAR in providing support for veterans and our military . It should not be discriminated against in this way.

It amazes me that despite the continued calling out of false narratives in this day and age that people continue to manipulate the public and lie about groups like the United Daughters of the Confederacy. They do nothing but seek to remember our country’s history and serve veterans throughout the country, but they continue to be targeted by people who want nothing but to destroy the past, present, and future. I urge you to vote NO, so that these groups can continue to fight for those who have been forgotten.

I am writing to request a NO vote on Bill 1699. With the REAL problems facing the citizens of Virginia, the sponsors of this Bill have shown that they care more about their irrational hatred for the UDC, then the needs of the citizens of this State. Instead of spending time on this vengeful motion address the real needs of the State of Virginia

The rewriting of history for POLITICAL PURPOSES is common among modern authoritarians. Tearing down history destroys ALLEGIANCE to our country and the knowledge of its real history. Quit padding your political nest but trying to weaken VIRGINIA history. VOTE NO ON HB-1699.

I am writing to you today to implore you to vote NO on HB 1699. This bill would remove a tax exemption for the United Daughters of the Confederacy. If passed, this bill would not only affect UDC members in Virginia, but it would affect the entire organization, thousands of women all across the country. The UDC is a non-profit, charitable organization. For 130 years the UDC has come to the aid of those in need during times of war, pandemics, and local crisis. The UDC has provided academic scholarships across the country to colleges and military academies. The UDC has never wavered from its original objectives which are: Memorial, Benevolent, Patriotic, Educational, and Historical. UDC members support our troops by sending care packages to soldiers stationed overseas and by donating to the USO and other veterans’ organizations. UDC members participate in Wreaths Across America. The UDC is a charitable organization across the U.S., giving back to communities through donations and community service by providing countless volunteer hours and financial support to veterans, homeless shelters, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes as well as to other non-profit organizations such as natural disaster relief. Members and their families travel to Virginia and to UDC Headquarters in Richmond several times a year bringing revenue which supports Virginia tourism. The UDC is a very diverse organization open to all ethnicities and religious beliefs. The UDC is no different than the Daughters of the American Revolution and countless other genealogical and historical service organizations across the country. These women are caring, patriotic people who desire only to serve in their communities. They do not deserve to be targeted, persecuted, and discriminated against in this manner. And that is exactly what this is, persecution and discrimination! I am quite certain that their money would be better spent on college scholarships and veterans’ organizations rather than being confiscated and wasted by government! This is nothing short of a blatant attempt by the government to seize private property to which it is not entitled and ruin a long standing, time-honored, charitable civic organization. Please do not let this shameful attempt succeed!

HB1699 promotes a tone of discrimination and inequality within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Organizations that promote benevolence within communities, contributions to our Veterans and the causes for which they fought for, recognition of JROTC program individuals, and the preservation of history - no matter what others may deem to be inappropriate to accept. The point of this bill is too precisely focused as a vendetta against those who hold true the foundation of what our Country was built on, the foundation of the Constitution of the United States of America. PLEASE VOTE “NO” TO HB1699. Do not let individual bias guide a misguided prejudice.

I am writing to request that you vote NO to HB1699. The objectives of the UDC are the same today as they were when they were first organized: historical, education, benevolent, memorial, and patriotic. We absolutely should be a tax exempt organization . Apparently, the sponsor of this bill has not taken the time to research all the charitable contributions that we make. Nor has he taken the time to read the history of the UDC. The United Daughters of the Confederacy are a tax exempt organization that supports veterans, active military, schools, local charities, etc. The list is very long and we are very active. I would dare say that a lot of tax exempt organizations in your state could not match the work that we do or our contributions to charities. The organization is not full of hate and discrimination as the ignorant politicians and newspapers have made us. We have many African American members. We also honor Confederate Veterans of color by presenting programs on their service and their importance in our American history. THIS BILL SHOULD NOT BE PASSED. It is a true example of targeting groups that the government wants to erase. History should not be forgotten because those that feel hate for a group abuse their authority to abolish them. Read the history of your state and learn the contributions that historical organizations, especially the UDC, have made. Removing statues and organizations is a vindictive action of small minded people. Please do not pass this bill and take away tax exemption from organizations that make a difference in their communities and state. PLEASE VOTE NO TO THIS BILL! Prove your support for VA history and American history by letting these organization continue to do their charitable work. Thank you!

I urge everyone to please vote NO on HB-1699. One wonders why Alex Askew feels the need to blatantly discriminate against those organizations who are historically based. You can’t change history. You learn from history. Virginia has a rich HISTORY in the formation of this great nation which does not needed to be suppressed. Please vote NO!!

Dear Representative Askew, I am asking you to vote no on HB1699. I am a Democrat and consider myself a moderate to liberal in my voting, however on this bill I am against it. I believe that this vote could hurt many groups not just the United Daughters of the confederacy. Many of the groups that it would hurt do community service and truly help the community. Non profit groups like the UDC donate numerous hours and money to their community that will be hard to replace. I know the history of many of these groups but honestly feel that the UDC is looking forward to changing the way people view them. They are becoming more diverse in their membership and are trying to educate their members as well as the community of our US history. The US history has many things that we should be proud of but has lots of things not to be proud of as well. Let’s move forward and let all of these groups who are trying to bring hope and change to our communities continue with their nonprofit status.

Soldiers are a vital part of the fabric of America. From the spark that triggered a Revolution that gave way to the birth of the United States of America, our nation’s ancestors have fought for truth and freedom on American and foreign soil. As a descendant of Jamestown, my ancestors have fought in every war since the Revolution, including those that fought for the North and for the South, through the Conflict in Vietnam. Those individuals and the beliefs of each, helped form States and created a Nation. Our Constitution guarantees free speech and freedom of expression. The purpose of HB1699 sets out to punish those who embrace free speech, the history and heritage of our Southland, and organizations that provide for our Veterans, provide scholarships, and service to communities. I strongly urged that there be an across the board “NO” vote for HB1699.

It’s hard to believe this vindictiveness has come back up. Askew is promoting a false narrative and without any evidence. The UDC is a 501(c)3 non profit organization and promotes history and heritage. I can’t believe y’all are not allowing them to speak and present their views. This is blatant viewpoint discrimination and will not stand up in court. I urge to vote NO on this and focus on important matters which affect us all.

I was told that the Virginia legislature is again considering a bill that would strip away the tax-exemption status for the United Daughters of the Confederacy in the beautiful state of Virginia. Thank goodness for the vigilance of alert patriots who keep us informed of such activities. I write from your sister state of Georgia to register not just an awareness of these activities, but to put you all on notice of our strong opposition. The motives and effects of the passage of HB1699 are obvious to those who search for and defend Truth and honor. The tactics that were used to prevent public comment at the meeting are also obvious to anyone with even the flimsiest of moral fiber and the foggiest of discernment. They are the tactics of politicians, the crest of whose horizons barely reach the tips of their noses. Understand we will fight this. We may be as gentle as doves, but we are as wise as serpents. We see your methods. We know that the intent of this bill is to squeeze the life out of any positive notions that continue to linger regarding our Confederate ancestors and facts surrounding that period of our history. We know that we are the true stewards of America's first principles. So do you. That’s why the UDC’s president Hardaway was prevented from speaking at the General Assembly earlier this week. You may think that if you squash the organization through financial finagling that you can muddy our nation’s history. Don't bet on it. We have God and Truth on our side. We win.

Please vote NO on HB-1699. It’s blatant viewpoint DISCRIMINATION. And not allowing a representative to speak against this bill? Why? You don’t want to hear both sides? Only Alex Askew’s side presenting the false narrative. The United Daughters of the Confederacy is among the most patriotic of organizations. Do your research!

I am against the passage of this bill. The UDC is a service oriented organization providing for veterans of all ages. Please don’t forget our veterans!

The United Daughters of the Confederacy is an organization that not only respects our heritage but also is very active in Benevolent work and Patriotic work. My chapter alone contributes money to our local Veterans Hospital, Wreaths across America and Warm Feet for Warriors. HB 1699 is particularly offensive to citizens whose family members have served in the military for decades for the United States of America. Please do not pass this bill!

This bill is particularly offensive because it comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth in 1861. It is the same Commonwealth that lured our organization to Virginia in 1950 and is now stabbing us in the back. We intend to fight this.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy does so much good for all of our communities. Taking away this status would cripple this over one hundred year old organization. Our history matter, our contributions matter!

Dear Members of the House of Delegates Finance Committee, Good morning. I write to voice, in the strongest possible terms, my opposition to HB1699. I have followed this matter since a friend in the Commonwealth first shared with me the 19 Aug 2022 Virginian-Pilot news article describing the efforts of Virginia Beach teen Simone Nied who, as a then-intern to Del. Luria, sparked the campaign underlying this short-sighted and discriminatory measure. I was shocked that rather than channeling the teenager's zeal for social justice into genuine and meaningful efforts for the public good, her father, her sponsor, and Del. Scott chose to exploit her youthful energy into such misguided measures as HB1699 and its predecessor bill in the 2024 General Assembly. Thinking persons across the nation see this wrongheaded measure for what it is: A cheap, convenient, low-risk pretext for making a self-righteous gesture toward racial justice. Because the real work of social justice is hard, and progress agonizingly slow, elected leaders readily succumb to the wishes of an electorate who, like Ms. Nied, know little more about the history of the Commonwealth than what is bruited about on social media. That sad reality only reinforces the temptation to offer quick fixes via empty symbolism masquerading as "justice," when the cost of genuine progress is well beyond the reach of the General Assembly. I was also surprised and disappointed to learn that the Finance Committee's hearing on HB1699 was scheduled on a federal holiday, and that opportunities for public comment were limited. The optics of such actions should concern all Virginia voters; if one nonprofit organization can be singled out for disparate treatment, all are potentially at risk to the whims of your Committee, and of the same General Assembly that asked my ancestors to defend the Commonwealth from invasion by federal troops in 1861. I urge your vote in opposition to HB1699. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

This is to comment as visitors to Virginia’s historic sites on the revocation of certain tax exemptions contemplated in HB 1699. To act in this way is not only petty and vindictive but will serve to burden the preservation of historical sites and documents and deny all the citizens of Virginia and elsewhere the fruitful study of everyone’s past. How will future generations navigate the course of their lives if that of their ancestors is selectively redacted by partisan cancellation? By acting in this manner you deprive all posterity of the completeness of History and the opportunity to competently reconcile their differences and passions. What other organizations benefitting from tax exemption but of different groups will by this action be put in jeopardy of the same under scrutiny by some other partisan faction? Rather than further the divisions of cancellation culture it is in the best interests of future generations to have been gifted magnanimity as it was said “with charity for all and malice toward none.” Thank you for your consideration.

I was very disappointed that the committee chose to meet on Inauguration Day! This was obviously designed to limit comments. I am opposed to this bill. I know many people involved with this organization and I know that it is color blind. There are people of color that are members of the organization or work for UDC. This should show that UDC is basically a service organization that contributes money towards schools and groups of Virginians such as Veterans groups. The UDC also maintains many cemeteries allowing tax monies to be used to assist other agencies. I urge members to vote no against this bill because it is a divisive bill designed to harm many of our loyal Virginia citizens. Removing the tax exempt status for UDC will also set a precedent for unfortunately some of our legislators that may dislike some of other Virginian citizens because of their religion or other social issues. I should respect fully remind the legislators that the UDC have broken no laws. Also the State of Virginia ASKED the UDC to come to Richmond and build a headquarters with no their own money. For almost 75 years the UDC have maintained their building and now Virginia is thinking of taking away their tax exempt status. I respectfully request that legislators examine the motives behind this bill. In this day of reconciliation and unity this bill is not keeping with those ideals. Thank you for listening to my comments and I sincerely hope that this bill remain in committee. Thank you.

I am very disappointed in the Finance Committee in trying to push thru this bill. We are prepared to fight this in order to keep our statis. We have helped the state of Virginia when the requested help in 1861. do not turn your back on us now. DO NOT PASS THIS BILL

Please leave the UDC & SCV alone. They are both historical organizations that do very positive things in their community. The Confederate soldier was defending Virginia from invaders. Protecting their families and homes.

To All Finance Committee Members: Please vote “no” on Bill HB 1699. Members of organizations who choose to honor our veterans should remain exempt to taxes just as other non-profits are. Everything is done on a voluntary basis and much is given from scholarships to food and clothing. We were promised this exemption and anticipate its continuance. Our members deserve a voice in this matter. Please consider learning what the UDC accomplishes for others. Join us in helping veterans, their families, and many children in our communities by not signing a bill to tax us and hinder our efforts. With sincere appreciation, Carolyn C Auvil

I urge you to please consider voting against HB-1699. Public comments were not allowed on this bill on Monday, January 20 so we had no representation. This bill is discriminating against those of us whose ancestors founded the state and answered the call to defend their state and organizations which teach history. The UDC is a nationally recognized service organization which honors our nations veterans. We strongly denounce any group which promotes racial divisiveness. Soldiers who fought during the War Between the States were diverse in nature. Back in the 1950’s the legislature lured our organization to Richmond. HB-1699 is VIEWPOINT DISCRIMINATION considering other organizations given protection under Article X, Section 6 (a)(6) of the Constitution of Virginia and further under Sections 58.1 -3607 and 58. 1-3651. Passage of this bill opens the door for other important historical museums to lose tax exemption and legal action.

Please Vote NO on HB1699 I know that public comments were prevented yesterday, that this bill is particularly offensive because it comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth in 1861. It is the same General Assembly that lured our organization to Virginia in 1950 and is now stabbing us in the back. VOTE NO HB 1699 Our voices matter !! Thank you,

The reason we have any Confederacy Organizations is because the men of the state of Virginia were called to fight for Virginia in 1861. Considering this fact, it is only fair to keep these organizations tax exempt.

I urge all to vote NO against this divisive and discriminatory bill being used as political fodder. It is biased and presumptuous in its scope and rhetoric. It aims to discriminate against specific charitable organizations that provide scholastic and benevolent funds and activities to the citizens of VA including aid to our nation's military members (as is the case of the UDC) and that brings historical tourism dollars to the commonwealth (as is the case of Jeb Stuart Preservation, Inc. ). I would posit that any member supporting such divisive legislation does not have the best interest of the commonwealth in its focus, but instead are hoping to extract a few extra political points at its expense.

Vote NO on HB1699. This bill was brought forth on a Federal Holiday and did not allow for any outside discussion. The UDC is a historical preservation group that is not only preserving history, historical artifacts, historic buildings and locations but also provides scholarships to students, supports Veterans, Active-Duty Military & First Responders, donates items and money to support VA Hospitals and community centers, Community Food Banks, Animal Shelters, cleans and preserves headstones of all veterans as well as much more. All UDC members give of their time, talent and money freely. UDC is actively making a difference in the lives of people of all backgrounds, races and nationalities. Please vote No.

I am dismayed and shocked that tax-exempt status for UDC is being threatened. This organization has a long history of benevolence and service to veterans. They also help the homeless and schools. Please vote against this unfair and potentially destructive bill Thank you.

Please do not support the HB1699 bill. It will inhibit the charitable work of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. We support Veterans' organizations and provide Funds for college scholarships.

Please vote “NO” on this discriminatory bill. Public comments were prevented yesterday. Some may ask, what does the UDC do? The UDC daughters donate thousands of dollars each year to Veteran Organizations and spend countless hours volunteering in Veterans Affairs Facilities and nursing homes. Please get to know this organization by taking the time to get to know the objectives. Learn what they have actually done in the past and continue to do for the general public and various other organizations that need help. The UDC comes to the aid of those in need during times of crisis. They sponsor the Children of the Confederacy which teaches our young people the value of giving back to our communities. Their members work in homeless shelters, homes for battered women and children, hospital associations and food banks. In addition to volunteering they give numerous Military Service Awards to Soldiers and First Responders. They also provide numerous scholarships annually. This bill is particularly offensive because it comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth in 1861. It is the same General Assembly that lured our organization to Virginia in 1950 and is now stabbing us in the back. The UDC is the oldest heritage group in the US. The library located in the UDC Memorial Building in Richmond is the repository for documents, diaries, letters, personal records and other papers of historical importance as well as preserving rare books. They are a genealogical data base and research library. This organization dedicates countless hours to collecting and preserving history of the War Between the States. Please take time to learn the actual truth and don’t just listen to gossip.

Let me makes this very clear that we will fight this, that they prevented public comments yesterday, that this bill is particularly offensive because it comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to defend the Commonwealth in 1861. It is the same General Assembly that lured our organization to Virginia in 1950 and is now stabbing us in the back.

There are too many assumptions of what the UDC is. We are women related by history working in our communities to support our veterans of all color and race, to add our elderly as well as our young with our time and donations. We are all proud American citizens striving to make our country and community better. Please vote no to HB 1699.

Please vote no on HB 1699. For better or for worse, Confederate history is Virginia history. In 1861, the General Assembly asked for the Commonwealth of Virginia to be defended by the ancestors of people who belong to Confederate lineage societies today. The United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) made their organization's home Virginia at the behest of the General Assembly in 1950. I doubt anyone who is in favor of this bill has ever spent any time with the ladies of the UDC. If you had, you would know that they engage in many worthwhile civic projects lending aid to food banks, homeless shelters, veterans' programs, cemetery cleanups, placing historic markers, and preserving historic artifacts to name a few. I would hazard to say the majority are members of multiple genealogical lineage societies who delight in the thrill of chasing their own or anyone else's ancestors back as far as they can. There's no malice in their pursuit of historical connection. Trying to break Virginia's historic connection to the Confederacy because of the misguided notion it's problematic in the modern world won't work. It will not change the past; only prevent people from learning about it. Remember, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.

I ask that you vote NO on HB1699. Not only was this bill presented on a Federal Holiday and did not allow for any outside discussion, it also targets a group that is very active in not only preserving history, historical artifacts, historic buildings and locations but also provides Scholarships to college students, supports Veterans and Active-Duty Military and First Responders, collects and donates items to support Children's Hospitals, VA Hospitals, Community Food Banks, Animal Shelters, cleans and preserves headstones of all Veterans just to name a few things. All of which is done by ladies who give of their time, talent and money freely. This is not an organization of bored rich ladies; this is a group making a difference in the lives of so many people, people of all backgrounds, races and nationalities. Please vote No.

Comments Document

Please do not take the tax exemption away from this wonderful organization. They promote patriotism for AMERICA as a whole. It is not a southern organization only. Membership is for anyone who had an ancestor that fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War. I have heard their speakers and I will verify that the above is true. Thank you for your deepest consideration.

Please do not vote for support of this bill! The United Daughters of the Confederacy is an organization that is positive in its purpose. Collectively, its member chapters do a great deal to support benevolent causes throughout the country including, supporting our veterans and educational scholarships for deserving students. Eliminating their non-profit status can only do harm to the resources it needs to carry out their goals. It is discrimination at its worst.

Please vote no on this discriminatory bill! Every bit of this screams discrimination... The United Daughters of Confederacy is the oldest heritage group in the United States. They are an organization that is dedicated to preserving the honor and sacrifice of the men and women of the South, women who are dedicated to protecting, preserving and marking the places made historic by Confederate valor. This organization dedicates countless hours to collecting and preserving the material for a truthful history of the War Between the States. This organization also provides numerous scholarships and bestows awards to present day veterans and first responders. The historical, benevolent, educational, patriotic, and memorial work of this organization is immeasurable and certainly a valuable piece of not only Virginia's history, but the nation's history as well. Take some time to get to know this organization and educate yourselves with the truths, and not the gossip, they deserve it!

Do Not Pass HB 1699 This organization is incredibly civic minded and contributes to all things patriotic and historical significance.

Please do not vote for a law that would cause a tax on The United Daughters of the Confederacy headquarters. We are a group of ladies who do no harm but do good. We are a patriotic group that not only honor Confederate soldiers but US veterans even until this day. Our Chapter and others donate food, clothing, and gifts to veterans homes and homeless shelters that include veterans. Taxing our headquarters would greatly harm our organization.

I urge this Committee to allow the UDC and other heritage organizations to keep their tax exempt status. Our Southern history is being eroded by groups that are enemies of our nation. The organizations that are working to preserve Southern history need to be protected; they are few in number with fewer resources than the enemy. Virginia has a great Southern legacy, and many of the Historical organizations call Virginia home. Taking their resources to pay taxes while allowing other "toxic" organizations to keep theirs and erode our history does no one any favors. Please vote NO on HB1699. Thank you.

Please vote no on withdrawing tax exemption from Confederate organizations which honor our ancestors but also remember and help our current veterans. Much support is done to aid education and charities through out Virginia.

This was so sad that no public comments were allowed yesterday as the President General tried to speak in opposition of this bill. The Virginia legislature lured the UDC to Virginia and embraced the organization in 1950 and now wants to change this? What about the charitable work the UDC does in the Commonwealth? Are you aware of the mission of the UDC? Historical, Educational, Benevolent, Memorial and Patriotic. Is the committee aware of the impact made by this organization for students, military and other projects in the community? Please let our leader speak on behalf of the organization to share our side of the story.

Please check to see what the United Daughters of the Confederacy have done for over 125 years. We are not racist, we do not discriminate. We help the military, our veterans, students, charity organizations, and many others. This bill is discriminating against one of the oldest lineage organizations that has and continues to do good works. Do not pass it. Don't discriminate against UDC.

The name United Daughters of the Confederacy® (UDC) has become divisive to some. To others, it simply honors our forefathers who fought bravely for their convictions (regardless of whether we agree with their cause today). The ladies who participate in this organization are lovers of history, patriotic, and generous in funding scholarships and helping those less fortunate. We achieve these benevolent goals without regard to race, religion, or creed. Lineage and heritage societies have been granted tax-exempt status in the United States for these very reasons – we give back to society to lift up those in need because we remember our history. To target one organization and strip its exemption status because the period of history remembered and the ancestors honored are not politically correct is just wrong. Targeting the UDC opens up Pandora’s Box and will likely set off a series of events that create more problems and complications than have been considered. There are hundreds of lineage societies in North America, each celebrating a different group of historical individuals, such as those who fought in the American Revolutionary War, those who arrived on the Mayflower, or in this case, those who fought in the American Civil War or War Between the States. If you strip the status of one non-profit organization’s status, you will have to strip them all. The women in these heritage societies have been involved in benevolent work for as long as there have been veterans to honor and those who need help. The UDC has been deeply committed to philanthropy since its inception in 1894. Our members give generously to fund scholarships to future leaders and to aid the veterans of modern wars. We go about our business quietly and without fanfare, and we don’t publicize humanitarian efforts in the news. That isn’t what we are about. We do not seek the limelight but focus on helping veterans achieve recognition. We had rather help America’s children gain the financial means to achieve higher education than receive a pat on the back. Please think of the broad consequences of the action you are considering. To withdraw the tax-exempt status of the UDC is not a good strategy for encouraging Americans to honor veterans and give to those in need. It is short-sighted at best, and detrimental to Virginians and Americans at worst. Respectfully Submitted

I ask you to defeat this bill. Our President was not permitted to speak to the committee. I am writing to oppose the proposed HB 1699 Tax Exemptions. I don't believe this a wise way forward for Virginia. This is a destructive development that looks like the Taliban-like removal of the Arlington Reconciliation Memorial, which was a shameful moment in our country's history. There is no good justification for this bill, and it looks like a government effort to destroy the United Daughters of the Confederacy. I used to believe our State was tolerant of differing opinions, but this bill (similar to many other efforts) is not consistent with tolerance of diversity of thought and serves to further divide the citizens of Virginia.

What an underhanded thing to do! Meeting on MLK day to push your agenda without input from any interested parties. You prevented public comments yesterday. This bill is extremely offensive to me and many, many others. It comes from the same General Assembly that asked our ancestors to fight on behalf of the Commonwealth in 1861 and its the same General Assembly that lured the United Daughters of the Confederacy back to Virginia in 1950. And now you are stabbing us in the back like a coward. The United Daughters of the Confederacy is the very definition of Non-Profit and most deserving of a 501(c)3 status. We help people in so many ways. Just recently we provided tons of support to victims of the horrible hurricanes in Florida, Georgia, North Caroline, etc. We collected money, food, clothing and other needs for those affected and we continue to help. We respond to every national tragedy in any way we can help. We are not racist-we help ALL people. We are a diverse organization made up of women of all races. We support our veterans on a huge level, recognizing their service and providing them with things they need on a daily basis by supporting our local VA's and other organizations that provide aid to these brave men and women-again this is ALL VETERANS, regardless of race, creed, color or religion. We strive to help the homeless, gathering and donating clothing, toiletries and money wherever needed. We support education of our country's children by donating supplies to teachers each year, participating in events at local schools and giving scholarships to students. The United Daughters of the Confederacy has been around since 1896 and we aren't going anywhere. Vote A RESOUNDING NO on this bill! Thank you.

HB 1699 I am writing today to ask that HB 1699 be removed or voted down. The same General Assembly that in 1861 asked the people of VA to fight & in the 1900's wanted the organization to be in Richmond wants to remove tax exemption. I just wonder what will be next as far as removing tax exempt status. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion as we still have freedom of speech.

This bill is obviously aimed at organizations which seek to preserve Southern and Confederate History, so is clearly prejudicial and discriminatory. In the 1950s, the Virginia Legislature entered into an agreement with the United Daughters of the Confederacy to grant the organization tax exempt status and provide the land for them to build their Memorial Building as incentives for the organization to establish their headquarters in the City of Richmond. Today, the Democratic leadership of the Legislature seeks to renege on that agreement of 70 years standing. This legislation is clearly motivated by the hatred of some members for anything relating to Confederate History, but that history is just that: history. It is important to know it and learn from it. The UDC exists so that BOTH sides of that history may be told. If only one side of history is told, it isn't history, but propaganda. We must know both sides in order to discern the ultimate truth. The UDC holds one of the most extensive collections of Confederate history sources in the nation, and it is open by appointment to scholars of all races and creeds to study. The UDC also awards scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars to students yearly. The UDC is the ONLY lineage organization which awards medals to rank and file soldiers who served the US honorably; it also honors our First Responders in a similar way. The UDC has never asked for race on its membership applications, so the characterization of the organization as "racist" or white supremacist" is both hideously misplaced as well as blatantly false. To say the UDC is not a charitable institution is also blatantly false. NONE of the ladies who have the responsibility of running this organization draw a salary (something which can't be said of many other 501(c)3 organizations). They are ALL volunteers, and the money raised by the UDC and its members goes back into the organization--for scholarships, benevolent activities, support of our veterans and active duty military, education, and historic preservation, including that of the UDC Memorial Building, which is on the State Register of Historic Places. In addition, the UDC is the only organization that I know of which is making an effort to document and preserve the stories and burial places of African Americans who fought for the South. These ladies seek to explore and preserve history, not "revise" it, and certainly not to erase it. In short, this bill, if passed, would put such an unreasonable financial burden on the UDC that its charitable and benevolent works would be seriously curtailed. This would be grossly unfair to the people of the Commonwealth and the Nation. It is a bad bill.

As a former Virginian it is appalling that Virginia, of all states, would try to remove tax exempt status from groups who honor Virginians who were called on by Virginia to defend Virginia from an overreaching and tyrannical Federal government. The United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Confederate Veterans and other like minded historical and educational groups are recognized by the US as non-profit organizations and Virginia should continue to honor that status. When the Government of Virginia talks about diversity, equity and inclusion, I can only assume that it only applies to the "woke" minded groups, since this bill does NOT provide equity for all. As the Virginia State Motto goes, Sic semper tyrannis.

It is a shame this bill was presented on a National holiday for a slain civil rights leader and a day of celebration as we inaugurated a new President, when no one was allowed to speak for our organization . Our ancestors fought as requested by the same General Assembly of the Commonwealth that is now attempting to punish their Daughters by taxing them on property the Commonwealth deeded to them in 1950, and entrusted to the us to care for. The UDC is a service organization, and we strive to make the world a better place. As a member, and as a proud Veteran of the United States Army, I personally can attest to the fact that the UDC cares for and honors our Veterans, this is a major component of what we do. We provide Thanksgiving meals and Christmas cheer for families who otherwise would have none, we offer educational scholarships to children to assist in obtaining college educations, we preserve gravesites in cemeteries, we have provided silk and satin materials to an organization that made “angel gowns” for stillborn babies to be buried in, we also provid items such as socks and scarves and blankets for our homeless population in the winter, and many other activities and we do these things without regard to race, creed, religion, or other affiliation. I know because I have personally done these things with my Chapter. Our Virginia headquarters that this Assembly wants to tax is our “home from home”, where Daughters from all over the US gather together as one family to remember our extended family, and to share ideas to help others. The money numbers are misleading, and to tax us will be to take our “home” from us. To tax us would take money from our projects that help others. I encourage you all to get to know us. Allow our President General to speak to you. Please do not pass this bill. Allow us to continue to make a difference. Thank you .

For HB-1699: Just as other historical groups (Daughters of the Revolution etc.) want to honor and remember their ancestors and the history of this country so do the United Daughters of the Confederacy want to remember and honor their ancestors who fought and died for the great Commonwealth of Virginia. The United Daughters of the Confederacy are tax exempt organization and provide scholarship's to all students that apply regardless of race, religion, etc. and membership to all. Provide monies for nursing homes, veteran hospitals, and community services. Decorate and maintain cemeteries and hold Memorial Services each year for our veterans. We do not participate in any violent or criminal activate. To take away our tax exempt status is immoral and inhuman to society that is build on freedom and liberty to all of its citizens.

I was extremely disappointed to hear this bill appeared on the agenda on a federal holiday with no opportunity for public comments. Transparency is key to the trust, we the people, place in our representation in government. With this charge as elected representatives, please take the time to actually learn about the various organizations being discriminated against with this bill. The work particularly done by women of the UDC, a not-for-profit organization, across the USA has a positive impact on other not-for-profit organizations and their communities. Trying to pass a shady bill through in minimal time with no opportunity for public comments forfeits the idea of transparency and trust placed in you by the people of Virginia. I am sure the elected officers of the UDC would welcome conversations with the committee on this bill.

I oppose this bill. The UDC organization is a wonderful group. They help tremendously with Veterans groups, homeless shelters, cleaning repairing all veterans graves, and supporting our current military. Please do not believe things you read on Wikipedia. Come and actually meet with our organization before condemning this organization. Thank you.

Dear Committee Members, Please take some time to reach out to the United Daughters of the Confederacy to find out who they are, what they do, who they serve, their mission, and all they give back to the community. You are making assumptions without having the facts. If this bill passes it is less money for students to go to school on, less back to the communities, less for active and retired military, and other projects in the community. Please time to learn the truth about the UDC from the organization and not Wikipedia. We are one of the oldest organizations in the country. This Bill is very discriminatory. Please contact the organization. We are willing to meet with you and tell you what we do. Please call. Thank you for reaching out to learn the truth.

By not allowing the opposition to speak on behalf of the Organization, you have made it very plain as to your intentions. You choose to not remember the history of the South and your commonwealth, who asked these men to go into battle for their homeland. And in turn you choose to not remember the history that the Commonwealth of Virginia gave the UDC property to house the Memorial to the Daughters of the Confederacy. This organization does more good in the whole of the United States by their benevolent, educational, historical, patriotic and memorial activities. We work with people in all walks of life, yet, it is the desire of some in the Virginia Assembly to destroy that good will. History, whether good or bad, is just that, HISTORY. Please put aside your "feelings" and look at the destruction that will result if you continue with this bill.

I would like for it to be made known that no public comments were allowed yesterday, as I tried to speak in opposition. Passage of this ex post facto bill is a very slippery slope, which opens the door for other valuable historical museums to lose tax exempt status and opens wide the door for legal action. Is this simply a test case before moving on to bigger and better targets including churches? To strip the UDC of a tax exemption that the Virginia legislature granted us in 1950 on property that your legislature deeded us reeks of a grab for power, money and perhaps real estate. To punish descendants of those who responded to the call of your legislature in 1861 to defend their state is discriminatory, based on misguided and biased opinions of our great philanthropic organization. Your legislature lured us to Virginia and embraced our organization in 1950 then stabbed us in the back in 2025. This action would be similar to business incentives offered by the Commonwealth, then revoking them after seventy-five years. Is that what Virginia wants businesses to think? Passage of this bill not only affects our non-profit organization and its charitable work, it affects our employees as well, who are residents of Virginia. It also opens the legislature up to federal action by violating the U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 10. By this action on HB 1699, your legislature is performing judicial functions by declaring the UDC "guilty" of some crime and exacting punishment (stripping tax exemptions) without a trial. Confederate organizations have been targeted with this vindictive bill aimed at organizations the party in power deems offensive.