President Obama’s “Blueprint for an America Built to Last,” which was unveiled during his February 24, 2012 State of the Union address, indicates a change in direction regarding the Administration’s position on the charitable deduction. The President’s proposal, which would impose a minimum effective rate of 30 percent on all taxpayers earning more than $1 million, does not include reductions to the value of the charitable deduction, and further notes that the administration will work to avoid “disadvantaging individuals who make large charitable contributions.” More details regarding the so-called “Buffet Rule” and other proposed tax changes will be available when the President releases his budget proposal on February 13.