Council Connection: Updates for Council Members

Public policy news and updates for the philanthropic sector

Happening at the Council

Global Grantmaking Essentials

Given recent reductions in foreign assistance in the United States and around the world, global grants from U.S. foundations are needed by international nonprofits more than ever.

Join our next course on April 22, 24, and 30 for timely updates and advice on how to respond to this challenging moment, in addition to our core curriculum.

What We're Tracking in DC

Senate Considering Updated Budget Resolution

Right now, the Senate is considering a new version of a budget resolution with a final vote expected this weekend. While the Senate’s new budget resolution adopts the House’s one bill approach, it uses a current policy baseline to account for the cost of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). But House Republicans have already expressed disapproval, arguing that this version of the bill would significantly increase the deficit. Just this week, the Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that a full extension of the TCJA would cost $5.5 trillion. With just a few legislative days left before Congress goes home for the April state and district work period, the timeline for budget reconciliation remains unclear.

Legislation Introduced

  • Free Speech Fairness Act (S.1205/H.R.2501): Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC), along with a group of cosponsors, introduced legislation that would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow 501(c)(3) organizations to make partisan political statements.
    • The Council strongly supports maintaining the Johnson Amendment and will oppose efforts to weaken or repeal it.
  • End Dark Money Act (H.R.2498): Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA) introduced a bill that would allow the IRS to issue new guidelines addressing 501(c)(4) political engagement, requiring them to adhere to their social welfare mission or be required to register as a political action committee, disclose their donors, and risk losing their tax-exempt status.

Additional Updates

  • President Trump recently signed Executive Order 14253, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," directing federal institutions, including the Smithsonian, to prioritize the celebration of American achievements and values while restricting future funding for exhibits that do not align with the administration's priorities.
  • Subcommittees in both the House and Senate held hearings on the “Censorship Industrial Complex.” Proponents of the idea argue there is a coordinated effort among various sectors to limit speech. These come after a February hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on the same topic.

Happening in the States

Employment Legislation in the States

Lawmakers are considering several employment bills that may affect charitable nonprofit employers. In Maine, pending legislation would create a state Retirement Savings Program, require pay transparency in vacancy announcements, and limit employee surveillance. Bills in North Carolina would create the Student Borrowers’ Bill of Rights, require nonprofits to provide paid family leave (H.499/S.480), and require sick leave to be permitted to be used to care for a family member (H.398/S.458). Similarly, legislators in Vermont introduced bills to expand access to unpaid family and medical leave, prohibit nonprofits from discharging an employee other than for good cause, and establish a 32-hour workweek. 

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Keep in Touch!

Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the Government Relations Team with comments or concerns, or to share an issue, article, event, or op-ed you would like to see covered in a future Washington Snapshot.

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