Last Legislative Watch of 2017

​Welcome to our final Legislative Watch for the 2017 Legislative Session! Although the session has ended, we will be summarizing some key actions from this session, as well as continuing with updates as needed throughout the year.

In This Issue

1. Last Watch of 2017
2. 2017 Legislative Session
3. Community Letter Update
4. Continue to Track
5. Policy Statement Regarding the Johnson Amendment
6. Congressional Break
7. Thank You!

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Key Actions from Idaho’s 2017 Legislative Session

In the 2017 Legislative Session, 770 pieces of draft legislation were written, and more than two-thirds (530) were introduced as bills.

​Three key issues dominated this year: transportation, public education, and tax relief. Click here for more information.

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Community Letter Update

Thank you to everyone that signed the community letter to oppose proposals that would politicize the charitable nonprofit and philanthropic community.
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• The community letter in support of nonpartisanship was signed by nearly 4,500 organizations.
  
  
• This letter was the second major communication on this issue delivered to Congress.
  
  
  • On April 4th, almost 100 religious organizations and denominational organizations from across all faiths delivered a letter declaring that they “strongly oppose any effort to weaken or eliminate protections”
    
    
• The community letter will be delivered electronically to every congressional office as well as provided with hard copies.

Click here for more information and learn how you can continue to support nonpartisanship.

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Issues We will Continue to Track

Tax Reform: We will continue to track and monitor potential cuts to programs such as Americorps, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment of the Arts and Humanities, as well as the Legal Services Corporation. Below are updates and information regarding the cap on charitable deductions as well as the repeal of the Johnson Amendment. More information here.

Charitable Deductions: There is a proposal to put a CAP on charitable contributions. This, in turn, may adversely impact monetary donations to nonprofit organizations. More information here.

Johnson Amendment: This keeps 501(c)(3) organizations from partaking in political stances or supporting political parties in any monetary way. 501(c)(3) have a tax exempt status which is not to be used for political affiliations. More information here.

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Idaho Nonprofit Center Policy Statement Regarding the Johnson Amendment

​The Idaho Nonprofit Center fully supports nonpartisanship in our sector and cannot support the weakening or removal of current federal tax law protections that prohibit 501(c) (3) organizations from endorsing, opposing, or contributing to political candidates.

read full statement here

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Congressional Break

There is a scheduled senate and congressional break April 10-21, so be sure to look for opportunities in the community to connect with your elected officials.

• The independent sector published a podcast on how to engage with your elected officials during recess. Listen here.
  
• Find your elected officials here.
  

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Thank You!

​This concludes the 2017 Legislative Watch Newsletters. Keep an eye out for future updates as they come up throughout the year!

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“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do”

​     -  Steve Jobs

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Brooke Damico

Legislative Watch is written by Brooke Damico, a public policy student at Boise State University.