AFP > Public Policy | Public policy updates > Spring 2009 Public Policy Update

AFP > Public Policy | Public policy updates > Spring 2009 Public Policy Update: "Spring 2009 Public Policy Update

President’s Budget Limits Charitable Deduction for the Wealthy

Summary:

President Obama’s recently released budget would limit the value of the tax break for itemized deductions, including donations to charity, to 28 percent for families making more than $250,000."

Mississippi secretary of state says nonprofits' legislation gives charities a reporting break - WREG

Mississippi secretary of state says nonprofits' legislation gives charities a reporting break - WREG: "Mississippi secretary of state says nonprofits' legislation gives charities a reporting break

By Associated Press

9:57 AM CDT, March 18, 2009
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says legislation being considered at the Mississippi Capitol eases reporting requirements for nonprofits and will make the organizations more transparent."

Bill Would Limit How New York Museums Could Use Money From Sales of Artworks - NYTimes.com

Bill Would Limit How New York Museums Could Use Money From Sales of Artworks - NYTimes.com: "Selling parts of a collection to cover museum operating costs would be illegal under a bill introduced in the New York State Legislature late Tuesday afternoon. The bill, drafted by Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky in collaboration with the New York State Board of Regents and the Museum Association of New York, would prohibit museums from using proceeds from the sale of artworks “for traditional and customary operating expenses.”"

massnonprofit.org ::Mass. Congressional Delegation Fails to Join Nonprofit Caucus

massnonprofit.org ::: "March 13, 2009 — In a year when the work of Massachusetts nonprofits in ailing communities is increasingly critical, none of state’s representatives to the U.S. Congress have joined the 37-member House Philanthropy Caucus, a two-year-old bipartisan effort to inform fellow members of Congress about the important role the sector plays and to raise awareness about legislative issues affecting the sector."

What gives, N.Y.? -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

What gives, N.Y.? -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY: "ow much clearer could this be? Federal law very properly spares charities and other nonprofit organizations from paying taxes, but it does so at a price."

New Mexico Independent » Bill to limit nonprofit political activity tabled

New Mexico Independent » Bill to limit nonprofit political activity tabled: "SANTA FE — A bill that attempts to restrict what New Mexico nonprofits can do during an election year has run into an immovable object: the House Judiciary Committee."

House Readies Passage of Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com

House Readies Passage of Volunteerism Bill Critics Call Pricey, Forced Service - Presidential Politics | Political News - FOXNews.com: "WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives is expected to pass a measure Wednesday that supporters are calling the most sweeping reform of nationally-backed volunteer programs since AmeriCorps. But some opponents are strongly criticizing the legislation, calling it expensive indoctrination and forced advocacy."

Charity law overhaul sparks concern - Boston Business Journal:

Charity law overhaul sparks concern - Boston Business Journal:: "The state Attorney General’s office is proposing a twentyfold increase in penalties against nonprofits that do not comply with filing regulations as part of proposed legislation designed to overhaul the state’s charities laws.

The legislation also would make it easier for nonprofits to dissolve, addressing the issue of nonprofit organizations that are registered with the AG’s office but are not operating. I"

New Mexico Independent » Roundhouse leaders target nonprofits’ activity with new bill

New Mexico Independent » Roundhouse leaders target nonprofits’ activity with new bill: "SANTA FE — State lawmakers and New Mexico’s nonprofit community are in a tense standoff at the Roundhouse. At stake, depending on who you speak to, is either nonprofits’ free speech or an orderly election. What is not in dispute is that lawmakers are looking to define what the nonprofits can and can’t do during an election year."

Keep the Gift Aid tax break, say fundraisers - Third Sector

Keep the Gift Aid tax break, say fundraisers - Third Sector: "Keep the Gift Aid tax break, say fundraisers

By Hannah Jordan, Third Sector, 10 March 2009

Obama's plan to cut relief for US donors would not work here, experts warn HMRC

Last month's announcement in the US of proposals to limit tax relief on donations by higher-rate taxpayers has increased concerns about reforming a comparable aspect of Gift Aid in the UK."

Courts set to decide charity bingo machine cases - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee

Courts set to decide charity bingo machine cases - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee: "California tribal casino representatives warn that the state risks losing tens of millions of dollars in tribal revenue-sharing payments if authorities can't shut down charitable bingo parlors that operate casino-style machines."

Bill would permit friendly poker game, gambling for charity - Local - Myrtle Beach Online

Bill would permit friendly poker game, gambling for charity - Local - Myrtle Beach Online: "COLUMBIA -- A bill allowing social gambling and gambling-themed fundraisers has been introduced by an S.C. legislative leader who says it's none of the government's business if friends want to gather around a kitchen table and play cards.

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said the state's centuries-old anti-gambling laws sorely need a common-sense overhaul. But even with the backing of the powerful Judiciary Committee chairman, the bill faces tough odds in the legislature."

Measure would help nonprofit endowments | APP.com | Asbury Park Press

Measure would help nonprofit endowments | APP.com | Asbury Park Press: "New Jersey law prohibits many nonprofits from spending certain pools of money if the funds have decreased from their original value. The law, adopted by most states, has restricted the groups' spending as values of stocks and other investments have fallen this past year.

But a new bill being tossed around by a state Senate committee could soon make the off-limit funds accessible."

American Chronicle | In Letter to Speaker, Blunt Urges Bipartisan Effort to Protect Charities

American Chronicle | In Letter to Speaker, Blunt Urges Bipartisan Effort to Protect Charities: "In Letter to Speaker, Blunt Urges Bipartisan Effort to Protect Charities
Congressional Desk
March 01, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt today sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) requesting that she join him in protecting charities and the work they do from a damaging provision in President Barack Obama´s budget."