Family-a Non-Profit Institution 

The family is, without question, the most important institution in the world.  However, only churches, service organizations and lodges benefit as non-profit institutions, while the family is over-burdened with taxes. 

I firmly believe a "family money fund", created with money from estates, would strengthen the family unit by strengthening the financial ties. I propose that states be required to give the same exemption on estates as that of the federal government, so long as 50 percent of this money is placed in a family money fund. 

An executor, chosen by family members, could loan money to them at low interest so health, housing, and education needs could be met. A simple set of guidelines and proper legal papers should be required. 

Another benefit should be increased competition among lending institutions, stimulating more efficient operation and competitive desire to keep interest rates as low as possible. 

Not only would such a program encourage family caring and sharing and enhance a family's ability to help itself, but it also would help reduce or eliminate some government assistance programs.

Additional Comments

It's time that the government align it's systems to be more supportive of families helping families. I believe that a family money fund would be a positive step to unite families.

Many states collect a substantial inheritance tax along with a federal inheritance tax. The equity that has been built up over the years has already been taxed, now it gets taxed two more times. This tax money should be used to create a family money fund. Families would be helping families.

Our governmental systems can be set up to encourage families to help themselves and other families. We can no longer depend on governmental systems that simply try to throw money at the social ills to solve the deepest human problems of hunger, homelessness, and lack of opportunity. People must be motivated to get involved in meeting the needs of their family and others. Allowing the families to put their inheritance into a family money fund instead of taxing by federal and state government would he a dramatic step towards correcting the social ills in our country.