Tell the Senate to keep the grassroots lobbying provision in S.1 for the strongest reform bill possible. This measure contains a provision that would require disclosure of federal grassroots lobbying, but only for groups already registered under the Lobby Disclosure Act because of their direct federal lobbying expenses or firms that spend over $25,000 in a quarter conducting such campaigns on behalf of clients. There has been some incorrect information spreading regarding the provision, such as the claim that it will silence many small groups. We must correct this myth.

This paper provides a summary of action to date on legislation being considered on the Senate floor and a review of provisions relating to nonprofits. Although the entire legislation affects the nonprofit community by helping to offset the role money has in influencing public policy, there are provisions specifically applying to nonprofits that we describe.

Lobby and ethics reform discussions in Congress could prove to be a significant opportunity to level the current uneven playing field, where wealthy interests have inordinate access to lawmakers and voice in public policy debate. Successful reforms would change this dynamic, giving individuals and groups lacking enormous resources, like most nonprofit organizations, a more equal chance of being heard.

<p>Click here to download text of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.