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IMPACT OF 1991 TAX CODE AND POSITION ON ITS EXTENSION

The full impact on the Smithsonian of the 1990 amendment to the Internal Revenue Code removing charitable gits of tangible personal property from the application of the alternative minimum tax will not be known until early 1992 after all 1991 gifts have been processed. However, early experience has been encouraging. Accordingly, the Secretary and his staff wished to thank Senator Moynihan for his initiative in gaining enactment of the existing provision and in seeking an extension of it. Knowing of its importance to the Nation's museums, the Regents adopted the following motion:

VOTED that the Board of Regents expresses its appreciation to Senator Moynihan for his efforts to amend the Internal Revenue Code to benefit the Nation's museums and encourages the Congressional members of the Board to support legislation for the extension of such provisions.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

VOTED that the Board of Regents appoints David Hicks, Jean Lane and John C. Meeker to the National Council of the National Museum of Natural History for initial terms to be determined by lot in accordance with the Council's Bylaws.

PROPOSED JOSEPH HENRY MEDAL FOR NEIL HARRIS

VOTED that the Board of Regents presents to Neil Harris the Joseph Henry Medal in recognition of his important contributions to the Smithsonian Institution as Chair and as a member of the Smithsonian Council. His distinguished leadership of the Council since 1985 has added a singular dimension to its value as an independent forum, meeting annually, to offer informed and constructive counsel on the Institution's progress in advancing knowledge and public education.

SMITHSONIAN ORGANIZATIONAL REVIEW

Initial steps were taken last year to strengthen the management of the institution by defining the roles of the Secretary and the Under Secretary, and by re-articulating the Offices of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the Treasurer. Continuing with that initiative, the Secretary has asked the Under Secretary to conduct a critical examination of the Smithsonian's overall organization and functions and to make specific recommendations that will enhance its managerial effectiveness. All its organizational relationships, managerial practices, and programmatic activities fall within the scope of this review, including, where appropriate, the roles of the Secretary and the Under Secretary. Over the next several months, a comprehensive examination of the existing organization will include an analysis of prevailing patterns and prospective improvements in such areas as: the roles of all senior staff, including the Assistant Secretaries;