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Policy Update: Continuing Resolution, Vaccination Mandates, Supreme Court, and More

Policy Update: Continuing Resolution, Vaccination Mandates, Supreme Court, 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.

Continuing Resolution Avoids Government Shutdown
On September 30, Congress passed and President Biden signed a continuing resolution that funds the federal government through December 3rd. This move prevented a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year, meaning individuals will continue to receive benefits and services, and payments to nonprofits from federal agencies will continue. The bill also included nearly $29 billion in disaster aid and $6.3 billion for Afghan resettlement.
Learn more.
 
The Debt Ceiling Limit Remains
The continuing resolution did not raise the debt ceiling, so Congress only has until October 18th to either raise or suspend the debt limit. Without action, the federal government will default on its past financial obligations. If government offices close or services end, nonprofits will likely be expected to provide supplemental aid to constituents. A government default would increase interest rates and inflation, and cause a crisis in worldwide credit markets.
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Infrastructure Bill Remains in Limbo
Disagreements among the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic party have prevented the House from voting on the Senate-passed infrastructure legislation (which was previously expected to be voted on by September 27th). This bill includes several provisions of interest to nonprofit organizations, including:

  • $50 million over five years for nonprofit energy efficiency upgrades
  • $65 billion for broadband expansion, including $2.75 billion to establish grant programs for digital skills training and equity, and $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Fund (previously the Emergency Broadband Benefit program)
  • $39 billion for clean transit, such as the repair or replacement of buses and mobility projects for seniors and individuals with disabilities
  • An end to the Employee Retention Tax Credit three months earlier than the scheduled year-end expiration date under the American Rescue Plan Act
Learn more.

Budget Reconciliation Will Have to Shrink Before Passage
President Biden is negotiating with Democratic congressional leaders on a budget reconciliation dollar amount. This negotiation could lead to the elimination or reduction of some issues from the bill, like providing free childcare and Pre-K, addressing homelessness, and stabilizing and expanding Affordable Care Act benefits. Because these issues impact many nonprofit missions, the outcome of this debate could impact resources and activities of interest to charitable organizations.
Learn more.

Information on the Federal Vaccination Mandate
Following President Biden’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to combat COVID-19, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued its guidance on the vaccination rules for federal contractors and subcontractors. All covered contractors’ employees (both full-time and part-time) must be fully vaccinated by December 8th, unless a worker is legally entitled to an accommodation. This mandate extends to all employees of covered contractors, including workers who do not work on a federal government contract. However, contractor rules do not apply to federal grantees.
 
Additionally, President Biden’s plan includes requiring employers with more than 100 employees – including large nonprofits – to ensure their employees are vaccinated for or will be tested at least once a week, and to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated or recover from vaccinations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard to provide more details on the implementation of this mandate, but there is not a specific timeline for when this will be published.
Learn more.
 
Next Supreme Court Season Began Monday
The US Supreme Court returns to hear oral arguments on cases this week. Justices have agreed to hear cases on many important issues, such as water rights, guns, religion, and abortion. The full docket remains to be set.
Learn more.

Stay tuned for more updates as the fall progresses.

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.


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