Policy Update: Biden’s Budget, Earmarks, 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.

President Biden’s Budget Proposal

Last Monday President Biden released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2023. Congress is not obligated to use this budget; while the budget proposal is a great way for the President to communicate his policy priorities, Congress determines how federal dollars are spent. Below are highlights of President Biden’s budget proposal:

• Overall, the budget would spend $769 billion for domestic programs, an increase of 5%, and $813 billion for defense, a 4% increase.
• But total spending would be more than last year, and projections are, if the President’s policies are adopted, the deficit will decline by $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
• The budget would create a Billionaire Minimum Income Tax on taxpayers with incomes exceeding $100 million. The Administration estimates that the new tax would raise $360 billion over 10 years.
• The budget would alter income, estate, and gift tax rules for certain grantor trusts, thereby raising $42 billion over 10 years.
• The proposal includes $45 billion to combat climate change.

Learn more.
 

Earmarks Return – Nonprofits Can Request Government Funding

As Congress starts to consider the budget for fiscal year 2023, there is an opportunity for nonprofits to request funding for projects in their communities. Dubbed Community Project Funding in the House and Congressionally Directed Spending in the Senate, earmarks are monies set aside for a specific purpose. Organizations can make requests for funding through their Representative and/or Senator(s). Each Congressional Office can determine whether to submit earmark proposals and can determine their deadline for accepting proposals, but most deadlines are in early to mid-April. Visit your Representative or Senator’s website to start the process. Senate rules are TBD.
Learn more about earmarks in the House.

 

Supreme Court Personnel Change

On Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-11 to advance Judge Ketanji Brown-Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court. To break the tie, Majority Leader Schumer called for a vote to send her nomination to the floor; this vote was bipartisan, supported by every Democrat and three Republicans. If confirmed, Judge Jackson would be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, as well as the court’s first former public defender. She is expected to be fully confirmed later this week.
Learn more.
 

Electronic Filing of 990s

A new federal law requires charitable organizations to file their 990s electronically. If your organization needs support through this process, view the Aspen Institute’s guide.
 

Local Redistricting – Who Will Represent You?

• Kansas – This week lawyers presented opening arguments in Wyandotte County District Court regarding the proposed new Congressional district map for Kansas. Governor Kelly vetoed this map, but the legislature successfully overrode the veto, leading to a legal challenge. It is expected that this map will end up before the Kansas Supreme Court before the debate is over. Read more.
• Missouri – At this point, both the House and Senate have passed versions of new Congressional district maps that would likely maintain the 6-2 Republican-Democrat Congressional ratio. The House rejected the Senate’s map, and has requested a conference committee to find a compromise. It is unclear when and how Missouri’s Congressional map debate will move forward, since some senators have vowed to filibuster the conference committee. Learn more.

This post was written by Kristen Wood, Nonprofit Connect's Advocacy Contributor.
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.

To receive policy updates like this in your inbox, sign up for our Advocacy mailing list.