On October 2, 2001, Rep. Charles Bass (R-NH) introduced H.R. 2985, the American Spirit Fraud Prevention Act. On the same day, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced S.1484, the Crimes Against Charitable Americans Act.

Nonprofits should weigh in on the economic stimulus bill being considered in Congress. It can have a huge impact on the work we do. Take action on this Alert here. OMB Watch believes the stimulus package should include items that create an incentive to spend immediately. It should not be permanent and or be a cover for providing further tax breaks to wealthy individuals or corporations.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published an updated staff training manual on election year activities by exempt organizations, including 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organizations and political committees exempt under Section 527. The last manual was published in FY 1993. While this Continuing Education Program (CEP) manual cannot be cited as a legal authority, it contains a rich store of information on the law and provides the public with the same guidance used by IRS staff.

On August 16, the White House released a report on barriers faith-based and community organizations face in participating in federal social service programs. The report was required by President Bush's January 29 Executive Order creating five federal Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Following up on the release, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life held an event on August 17 with a panel of experts to react to the report. The panel provided a mixed reaction to the White House report, Unlevel Playing Field.