Nonprofit Advocacy Matters | January 27, 2014

Proposed Electioneering Rules for 501(c)(4) Social Welfare Groups Under Attack The Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is leading an effort to the block implementation of proposed regulations from the Treasury Department that would redefine what constitutes electioneering activities of 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations under the Internal Revenue Code.Legislation by Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) would prohibit the modification of the rules for one year, thus freezing in place the standards and definitions for determining whether a 501(c)(4) organization crosses the line from promoting social welfare to engaging in too much partisan electioneering. The legislation adds Camp’s name to the list of individuals and groups that oppose draft regulations released in November that would restrict the types of political activities that 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations could engage in without running the risk of losing their tax-exempt status.Conservative and progressive groups alike are panning the proposed regulations. Readers are encouraged to read the proposed regulations and tosubmit comments (to IRS REG-134417-13) byFebruary 27, 2014. Strong, Bi-Partisan Support Expressed in Senate for Charitable Giving Incentive A third of the US Senate has taken a public position insupport of the charitable giving incentive in federal tax law in a letter delivered last week to Senate tax committee leaders. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), who is expected to be the next Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and John Thune (R-SD), who also serves on the Committee, wrote the letter and called on their colleagues to sign on. The message in support of the work of charitable nonprofits in communities is clear: “The charitable deduction is unique. It is the only provision that encourages taxpayers to give away a portion of their income for the benefit of others. For this reason, it is not a loophole, but a lifeline for millions of Americans in need.” Thirty-three Senators from more than half the states signed the Wyden-Thune letter: Alaska (Murkowski); Arkansas (Boozman), California (Boxer); Colorado (Udall); Florida (Nelson); Hawai`i (Hirono, Schatz); Idaho (Risch); Illinois (Kirk); Indiana (Coats); Kansas (Roberts, Moran); Louisiana (Vitter); Maine (Collins); Maryland (Mikulski); Massachusetts (Markey); Michigan (Levin, Stabenow); Minnesota (Klobuchar); Mississippi (Cochran, Wicker); Missouri (Blunt); Nebraska (Heller); New Hampshire (Shaheen); New York (Schuster, Gillibrand); North Dakota (Hoeven, Heitkamp); Oklahoma (Inhofe); Oregon (Wyden); South Carolina (Scott); South Dakota (Thune, Johnson). The State of the States As the Governors See It Governors across the country are announcing their plans and priorities this month as their legislatures convene for the 2014 session. Here are recurring themes and trends of interest to nonprofits: “Comeback State”: Many Governors used their State of the State address to define 2014 as a “comeback” year of recovery from the Great Recession. But as the Washington Post reports, “in many cases, the ‘comebacks’ will manifest as an absence of further cuts, rather than a return to pre-recession spending levels. Thirty states are collecting less revenue than they did before the recession hit.” Tax Reform: A handful of Governors are hoping positive signs in their states’ economic outlooks will make tax cuts possible in 2014. Citing a more comfortable economic outlook than in years past, the Nebraska Governor proposed $500 million in tax relief, particularly in property taxes. Similarly, the Governor in Wisconsin proposed cutting property and income taxes for the third time in less than a year. Governors in New Jersey andIowa also spoke in favor of property tax relief. Conversely, Rhode Island’s Governor wants to keep tax rates the same and increase overall spending levels. Social Services: Some governors spoke of the need to reinvest in programs that suffered secere cuts during the recession. The CaliforniaGovernor remarked on the significant economic growth the state has experienced and recommended a $154.9 billion spending plan that would increase funding for social services and schools. The Governor of Michigan also touted the state’s improving economy and promised to increase funding for Great Start early childhood education and Meals on Wheels, programs which support the work of many nonprofits in communities. Education: Governors from many states made new investments in education a top priority in their State of the State addresses. Several pledged support for early education: the Governor of New York announced proposals for full funding of a statewide pre-kindergarten; the KansasGovernor proposed full funding for all-day kindergarten while simultaneously fighting a state court case that mandates additional education funding; and Missouri’s Governor proposed tripling pre-school funding. In higher education, Governors in Missouri, Rhode Island, and Iowarecommended freezing tuition rates at public institutions. Similarly, the Arizona Governor wants to stabilize university tuition rates, and is pushing again for a controversial program that would tie base funding for public schools to performance measures. Governors in Alabama, Washington, and Georgia are calling for raising teacher salaries. Maine Nonprofits Call for Return of Full Charitable Giving Incentive The Maine nonprofit community came out in full force at a public hearing last week in support of a bill that would exempt charitable deductions from the $27,500 cap on itemized deductions enacted late in the session last year. If enacted, the new legislation would be retroactive to January 1, 2013. The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) estimates that application of the cap to charitable giving will result in reduced donations by at least $20 million per year, a conservative estimate according to many of the speakers at the hearing. To learn more about efforts to protect Maine’s charitable giving incentive, see the nonprofit sign-on letter with 83 nonprofit signatories and testimony ofMANP and the National Council of Nonprofits. Taxes, Fees, and PILOTs Taxes: To lower the tax rate for for-profit businesses, proposed legislation in New Hampshire seeks to apply the state’s business enterprise tax base to larger nonprofits. The proposal, which targets mostly nonprofit hospitals and colleges, would extend the tax to nonprofits that accept fees for services and collect more than $2 million in annual revenues. Mary Ellen Jackson, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, has expressed opposition to the bill because it ignores nonprofits’ contributions to society and the “long-held” agreement between government and nonprofits. Tax Exemptions: A Nebraska State Senator introduced a bill to eliminate property tax exemptions for religious organizations, arguing that churches should pay property taxes and that the legislation would increase state revenue. Religious nonprofits have opposed the legislation, saying it ignores the important contributions of churches to their communities. PILOTs: Wisconsin policymakers are considering legislation that would require municipalities that negotiate payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) from nonprofits to share the revenues with “overlying” taxing bodies, such as school districts and state and county governments. Municipalities oppose the legislation and believe it infringes on local authority. “[The other taxing bodies] are not coming here and cleaning our streets, removing snow ... why should they get a piece of the revenue?,” one City Administrator asked.  Government-Nonprofit Contracting News New Mexico Withholds Contract Payments to Nonprofit Mental Health Providers New Mexico is withholding payments to fifteen mental health services providers and has transferred their caseloads to Arizona providers based on allegations of fraud that state officials have not substantiated to the public. The accusations of fraud are reportedly based on findings by a private consulting firm which also manages the New Mexico Health Care Exchange; state officials have so far refused to make the audit findings public. The State Attorney General’s Office, which is investigating the findings, found no fraud in its first review of one of the organizations and cleared it to reopen. Unfortunately, that nonprofit has already gone out of business because of the state’s actions and is still owed $400,000 for services it provided under contracts with the state. The situation raises serious questions about the need for government to follow the same transparency expectations it has for nonprofits and to exercise due process for nonprofits contracting with governments to provide services. State legislators reportedly are considering how to protect service providers from unfair attacks.  Additional State and Local Issues How Do You Measure That?: Questioning Business Tax Breaks Florida Considers Increasing Charity Oversight Mandating Volunteerism for Public Benefits Recipients Proposed in Alabama States Reform Gaming Laws Directing Proceeds to Charities Putting Policy In Nonprofit Perspective State of the State addresses give Governors the opportunity to tick off the things they have done and offer a to-do list for their legislators to act on. (See related article, above.) Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, took the opportunity of the Michigan Governor’s recent address to provide insights to nonprofits in the Wolverine State and hand out a few to-do items as well. First, Donna offered perspective on which all nonprofits should agree: “No matter your political persuasion, and whether you agree or disagree with the progress Michigan has made over the last few years, one thing is certain: all sectors must all work together to realize the hopes and dreams we have for the residents of Michigan.” Reflecting on the significant economic impact provided by the nonprofit community, she observed, “It is becoming clearer and clearer that real progress is inextricably connected with the work nonprofits do every day to meet the needs of the community.” Murray-Brown moved past the statement of fact and provided a call to action: “We must enhance our narrative of our work beyond ‘it’s the right thing to do,’ to ‘our work is imperative to creating a thriving state, and we too have proven results!’” Donna provides six to-do items that all nonprofits, in Michigan and beyond, can take to heart to improve our public policies, our own performance, and our communities. These include continuing to collaborate; leveraging technology as a strategy for mission attainment; recognizing that diversity, inclusion, and equity are key principles to meeting mission; and nonprofits must hone their public policy and advocacy skills to block threats to our work. We are inspired by the optimism of this nonprofit leader in one of our nation's most economically challenged states. As advocates for your mission, we hope that all readers can say the same thing about their work as Donna Murray-Brown did in her conclusion: “These are exciting times in the state of Michigan. It will require much to accomplish the goals we set for ourselves, yet we can and will succeed. We are truly the change we have been looking for! Now, let’s get to work!” © Copyright 2014 National Council of Nonprofits. All rights reserved  1200 New York Avenue, NW | Suite 700 | Washington, DC 20005 |www.councilofnonprofits.org

The Provider - Weekly Update

The Provider News from the Institute for Human Services and Nonprofits in the Southern Tier

IHS Quick Links Institute for Human Services IHS Annual Report Provider Online 2-1-1 HELPLINE Steuben Rural Health Network Girls on the Run of the Southern Tier NeedaRide Become a member! Enjoy reading this newsletter? Want to get some prime space in it? Would you like to gain some discounts on IHS educational opportunities?     Become a member today! Call IHS Member Services for a consultation - 607-776-9467 x226. Dial 2-1-1 HELPLINE today!  Learn more about some of the resources available in our community!      Make it a Day On - Not a Day off! Local Organizations Receiving Funding for MLK Day Volunteer Projects   $5,000 has been made available in mini grants to local organizations participating in a volunteer event during the week around the Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service. This diverse group of projects will allow organizations throughout the region to celebrate through community service, volunteer recognition, and education. 2-1-1 HELPLINE Give Help was able to do this as a part of the Regional Volunteer Center of the Southern Tier, which is one of ten regional volunteer centers in New York State through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Read more.> Looking for volunteers or for volunteer opportunities?  2-1-1 HELPLINE's Give Help site is our volunteer database full of opportunities! Contact us with your volunteer needs and check out the site for more information. Featured Opportunities:  Volunteer in Steuben, Chemung or Schuyler on or around MLK Day! -new! Catholic Charities of Chemung could use your help! - new! Become a driver for Steuben Coordinated Transportation    Volunteers are Corning Meals on Wheels - help out today  Wellness Wednesday    Wake up with a Fresh Start to your Day Try to do a few stretching exercises when you wake up. Stretching in the morning boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain. Also, don't skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast is one of the best things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. People who skip breakfast are more prone to weight gain and have a difficult time losing weight when dieting. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fiber breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yogurt, whole wheat toast, or other nutritious options. with time. Nonprofit Tidbit You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. ~John Bunyan Get Connected!   Join us on these social media sites. Institute for Human Services: 2-1-1 HELPLINE: Girls on the Run of the Southern Tier:

IHS Announcement Welcome to 2014 - IHS is celebrating 30 years of putting capacity to work! As of January 2014 - we will be featuring IHS member news.  Anyone can still receive our newsletter and view news on our website.    Not sure if you are a member?  Find out here.    Not a member and interested in becoming one?  Checkhere for benefits and pricing.  Please contact us with any questions you may have or if you are interested in membership. Welcome to our latest IHS Members!  Cornell Coopertive Extension - Steuben County Corning Community YMCA Finger Lakes Parent Network Inc.  Nonprofit Research & Management Services Wellness G.I.F.T.S. Please join us for our 2014 IHS Annual Conference! IHS 30th Anniversary: Putting Capacity to Work!   This year's all day conference will feature three tracks with three concurrent sessions focusing on a range of issues and trends that encompass all levels of nonprofit professionals.  New in 2014 - we will feature nationally known speaker Dr. John Brothers of Quidoo Consulting.  Topics include: Emerging Leaders; Change Management; The Affordable Care Act; Conflict Resolution; Essential Skills for Supervisors; Board Development and more.  Stay tuned for our conference brochure with more detailed information about the conference sessions.  Early Bird Registration.> Nonprofit Professional in the Spotlight - Sheri Jeffery of Wellness GIFTS Sheri Jeffery is the Executive Director at Wellness GIFTS, an organization that provides retreats for people with disabilities and their families.  Sheri is currenlty working on planning summer retreats, engaging families to attend, recruiting volunteers, and reaching out to area organizations.  Sheri is inspired by the families who attend Wellness GIFTS retreats as they have faced and overcome challenges many people will never know.  Their resiliency is uplifting and their insight is valuable. Learn more about Sheri.> Interested in volunteering at Wellness GIFTS? INSPIRE 2014 Symposium: RFP Available -  Deadline is January 30!  New this year is a six part symposium presented by the INSPIRE Adolescent Health & Wellness Task Force, an initiative of the Steuben Rural Health Network at the Institute for Human Services, Inc.  We are anticipating that the six part symposium will attract up to 250 parents and professionals in 2014.  We are seeking six presenters for our 6-part Symposium on a broad range of topics related to adolescent health and wellness to include but not limited to teen pregnancy and STD prevention, teen parenting, obesity prevention, adolescent LGBTQA issues, drug/alcohol use among teens, mental health issues and bullying, etc. Find out more and apply here.>  Regional Human Services Agencies to Assess Homelessness in the Southern Tier  A regional Point-in-Time survey will help providers to understand and address homelessness in a 5-county region If you think homelessness is a "Big City" problem, think again.Starting January 29th, and ending February 5th, a count of the homeless, conducted by public and private human service agencies, will extend across Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Livingston, and Allegany counties.This effort is being facilitated by the NY-501 Regional Continuum of Care, and the Institute for Human Services, Inc. Learn more.>                                      What is the Continuum of Care?  NYCON Member Benefits Seminar Did you know that IHS Members also receive a complimentary membership to the New York Council on Nonprofits (NYCON)?  Find out what your membership entails by attending this "Get to Know Us" Session!  Andrew Marietta of NYCON will tell you a lot more about your NYCON membership benefits - and answer all the questions you have regarding your benefits.    Learn more>                                             Register> Girls on the Run of the Southern Tier - New Year, New Website! Have you heard the big news? Girls on the Run of the Southern Tier is launching a new website! From the latest news to registration information and volunteer opportunities, you'll find everything you need to know - and more! Featuring updates from our local council, as well as Girls on the Run International, the new website is the place to go for anything and everything GOTR!   Check out the new website today! www.gotrst.com.  Visit Provider Online to Read More... Go to the Provider Online Website for more news, announcements and workshops. These stories include: Free Workshop on Long Term Care Planning Tobacco Cessation Treatment Protocols for your Patients Workshop Winter Classes at CCC Workforce Development Late January Events at the Dormann Library Diminishing the Cost of Conflict - A Mediation Skill Training Are you a member and want us to post your news? Submit announcements, news, events and more to provider@ihsnet.org. Members can also post themselves through their member portal. Job Opportunities Go to our Classifieds section to view more! Network / Web Support Technician - IHS AmeriCorps Members - Southern Tier Opportunity Corps Teacher - Pro Action Special Education Teacher - Pro Action Support Staff - Pro Action Maintenance - Pro Action Foster Care Caseworker - Pathways Behavior Intervention Specialist - Arc of Steuben Mobile Team Support Specialist - Arc of Steuben Service Coordinator - Arc of Steuben Aquatics Coordinator - Corning YMCA Youth Sports Instructor - Corning YMCA Strength Instructor - Corning YMCA League and Tournament Administrator - Corning YMCA Accounting Clerk - Corning YMCA Family Services Coordinator - Finger Lakes Parent Network Teen Facilitator - Finger Lakes Parent Network Family Consultant - Finger Lakes Parent Network Program Coordinator - ProAction Fundraising/Communications Director - Catholic Charities Steuben County Historian - Steuben County Director, Office for the Aging - Steuben County Are you 55 and older?  There are jobs available for you through Pro Action!!