Policy Update: American Rescue Plan Rules, Congressional Redistricting, and More
Nonprofit Connect works to keep Members updated on policy changes that affect nonprofits through Policy Updates. These messages provide brief information on what is going on in federal government and policy that may be of interest to the nonprofit community.
American Rescue Plan Funding – Rules for Nonprofits
The US Department of Treasury published new guidance regarding how state and local governments can utilize their appropriated funds for COVID-19 relief. Nonprofits can receive funds both as a recipient of relief and a provider of allowable services to others. In the former instance, a nonprofit is considered a beneficiary, and it would need to follow beneficiary reporting requirements. In the latter instance, the nonprofit is considered a subrecipient, where it must comply with subrecipient reporting requirements. Nonprofits can advocate to receive these funds from state or local officials.
Learn more.
Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act
HR 7587 was introduced with the purpose of improving the connections between the nonprofit industry and the federal government. It would create a nonprofit office in the White House to look at federal grant reforms, a committee to review opportunities for more public-private partnerships with nonprofits, and an advisory board for the nonprofit sector. If passed, federal agencies would also need to collect and report more data on nonprofit jobs and volunteers.
Learn more.
White House Equity Action Plans
When President Biden first took office, he signed Executive Order 13985 with the goal of advancing racial equity through the federal government and its activities. Last month, over 90 federal agencies published their action plans based on that Executive Order.
Learn more.
State Legislative Sessions Coming to a Close
- Kansas – Last week, the Kansas State Legislature completed its one-week veto session – an opportunity to override gubernatorial vetoes and pass final bills. HB 2106 passed, which gradually reduces the sales tax on food between the start of 2023 and the end of 2024. One controversial bill that failed to pass included a ban on transgender athletes participating in women’s sports. Read more.
- Missouri – There is less than two weeks left in the legislative session in Missouri. One constitutional requirement is to pass a budget by May 6th, and the General Assembly will take time this week to find compromises between House and Senate appropriations bills this week. Missouri also considered a transgender athlete bill, but the Senate filibuster successfully stalled the debate. Read more.
Redistricting – Who Will Represent You?
- Kansas – The Kansas Congressional map was struck down by a Wyandotte County judge last week. The judge ordered the state legislature to address what he ruled to be gerrymandered districts. The next step is for the ruling to be reviewed by the Kansas Supreme Court. Read more.
- Missouri – While both the House and Senate have passed versions of new Congressional district map, the lines are different and legislators have been unable to find a compromise. Lawsuits have been filed in federal and state court, attempting to force the judiciary to intervene. Learn more.
Kristen is an avid participant in Kansas City’s nonprofit community and a self-proclaimed ‘lifetime learner’. In addition to working for Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas, she enjoys following nonprofit policy issues.
If you have any questions on Policy Updates, please reach out to Nonprofit Connect’s Marketing Manager, Colin Bennett, at cbennett@npconnect.org.
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