Charities and Campaign Finance Reform
Feb 13, 2002 by Matt Carter
A short fact sheet of items in campaign finance reform that are of interest to charities
read in fullSummary of Presentation by Gary Bass in Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan
Feb 13, 2002 by Matt Carter
This talk will describe four types of research activities that OMB Watch has undertaken in the United States that can result in shaping public policy. It will be followed by a discussion of four issues that NPOs face when doing policy research that may be worthy of further discussion.
read in fullOMB Watch letter to the IRS on Charities' Internet Use: Part 1
Feb 13, 2002 by Matt Carter
Letter to the IRS from OMB Watch in regards to internet use and exempt organizations.
read in fullOMB Watch Letter to Congress Opposing HR7
Feb 13, 2002 by Matt Carter
The following is the text of a letter from OMB Watch to Congress on HR 7.
read in fullState Update: Michigan
Feb 12, 2002 by Matt Carter
As previously reported, the Michigan House was considering a bill that would prohibit Michigan nonprofits from using any resources that are "from a public body or a person acting on behalf of a public body" for advocacy around a state ballot initiative.
read in full"Paycheck Protection" in Michigan
Feb 12, 2002 by Matt Carter
The Michigan Nonprofit Association reports that the Michigan Senate passed a bill (S.B. 759) that prohibits Michigan nonprofits from using any resources that are "from a public body or a person acting on behalf of a public body" for advocacy around a state ballot initiative. The bill also prohibits charities from endorsing or opposing a candidate, which is already forbidden by IRS regulations.
read in fullMichigan Bill Would Expand Charitable Choice
Feb 12, 2002 by Matt Carter
A bill that would allow the Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) to fund religious organizations or convert social welfare programs to vouchers has passed in the Children & Family Services committee by a 5-2 vote. The bill (HB 5316), sponsored by Rep. Mark Jansen (R-72nd), would extend problematic provisions of federal welfare reform into every program funded through FIA, and could also result in dismantling of programs in favor of vouchers.
read in fullColloquy To Clarify FEC Role In Creating Exemptions For Nonpartisan Issue Advocacy
Feb 12, 2002 by Matt Carter
Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) and Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA) have agreed to a colloquy on the House floor during debate of their campaign finance reform bill that will address protections for nonpartisan issue advocacy.
read in fullFaith-Based Initiative: Summary of Compromise Bill
Feb 7, 2002 by Matt Carter
For months Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) have indicated willingness to work out a compromise with the White House on the President's proposed Faith Based Initiative. The issue stalled after the House passed its version (HR 7) last summer.
read in fullFEC Won't Appeal Ruling Against Its Regulated Communications Definition
Feb 5, 2002 by Matt Carter
As the 2002 election cycle approaches, nonprofits wanting to know whether their public statements are unregulated issue advocacy or regulated electioneering ("express advocacy") will have to consult a map for the answers. The reason is that federal appeals courts in different parts of the country have issued contradictory rulings on whether or not the Federal Election Commission's (FEC) definition of what constitutes "express advocacy" is constitutional.
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