Public Policy & Your Work

Changes in state regulation, speaking up for you at the Congressional level

WASHINGTON STATE

Beginning January 1, 2010, registering and renewing with the Washington Secretary of State Charities Program may include the filing of additional financial information.  Look at the Charities Program website for more information.  We will have keep you informed through our website and newsletter. 

WASHINGTON STATE CHARITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL

Nonprofit Network Executive Director Jeanne Kojis has been appointed to a second 3-year term to work with the thirteen member Council charged with helping the Secretary of State identify:
•Training and educational needs of charitable organizations;
•Model policies related to governance and administration of charitable organizations in accordance with fiduciary principles;
•Emerging issues and trends affecting charitable organizations.
Jeanne welcomes your interest in and suggestions for the Council and is happy to meet with you to share ideas. 

ESTATE TAX

 
The estate tax will expire on December 31 unless Congress takes action.  The House of Representatives has announced that it will be considering legislation to extend permanently the estate tax at 2009 levels ($3.5 million exemption; 45% tax rate) before Veterans Day.  There continues to be a strong push in Congress for lower rates or even allowing the estate tax to disappear.  More information:
Partnership for Philanthropic Planning  has an informative packet for their D.C. Lobby Days which is a good resource for both information and process. 
Independent Sector

HEALTHCARE REFORM AND NONPROFITS

As a member of Independent Sector, and supporter of the work of other leading national nonprofit organizations such as the National Council of Nonprofits the Nonprofit is supportive of specifically addressing the needs of our community organizations in national health care reform.  The following is an excerpt from a letter Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) to solicit the support of her colleagues on this important issue.   

The nonprofit sector constitutes the fourth largest segment of the American workforce and generates approximately 12 percent of Gross National Product (GNP). Nonprofit employees are working in every Congressional District to serve our constituents, solve local problems and deliver government-funded services in diverse fields ranging from workforce development and violence prevention to health and human services.

Nearly all nonprofit organizations are struggling to provide health insurance coverage for their employees.  These mainly small employers experience the same higher costs and limited options as their for-profit, small business counterparts. While small for-profit and non-profit organizations face similar challenges, none of the current House bills extend reforms and benefits to the nonprofit sector. As written, the tax credit provisions included by the House to address the needs of small, for-profit business would not be available to small nonprofit employers.

For health care reform to be truly comprehensive it must include nonprofit employers and their employees.

The Independent Sector site keeps current with progress on this topic.  To join in efforts to inform elected officials representing you in Washington DC from Southwest Washington please call the Nonprofit Network office at 360.735.7110. 

 

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