Policy Update: Vaccines Rules, Redistricting Updates, State of the States, 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.
Join us for our next advocacy focused program "Philanthropy and Policy Changes with Sandra Swirski" on Friday, February 25. Sandra Swirski, co-founder of an award-winning firm in Washington DC, will teach us why donors are concerned about looming policy changes, and what we can do about it to elevate your work and mission. Learn more and register here.
OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Withdrawn, CMS Interim Final Rule Upheld
Last week, OSHA withdrew its Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID vaccinations and testing among employers with 100+ employees. This followed the Supreme Court ruling on January 13th, which stayed the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard until further review could be completed. However, the CMS Interim Final Rule was upheld and remained in effect. The National Council of Nonprofits provided links to the following statements regarding next steps: the White House, the Department of Labor (OSHA), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Learn more.
Nonprofit Supports Expired at End of 2021
Several provisions which provided economic relief and support for nonprofits were allowed to expire at the end of 2021:
- Employee Retention Tax Credit – provided a refundable tax credit of up to $7000 per employee per quarter to promote retention of staff and rehiring of workers.
- Universal Charitable Deduction – allowed taxpayers to deduct charitable donations of up to $300 per individual and $600 per couple.
- 100% Adjusted Gross Income Cap – authorized individuals to donate money to nonprofits and claim a charitable deduction in an amount up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (this cap returned to 60%).
- 25% Taxable Income Limit – granted to corporations a deduction for charitable contributions of up to 25% of their income (this returned to 10%).
Funding the Government
The Continuing Resolution currently funding the federal government will expire on February 18, 2022. Meetings are underway to create a path for 2022 appropriations bills. Some desire a spending agreement that would fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year, but if that can’t be agreed to, another continuing resolution will be required to avoid a government shutdown.
Learn more.
Local Redistricting – Who Will Represent You?
- Kansas – The Kansas legislature approved a new Congressional map, outlining the boundaries for its four Congressional districts based on changes in population. In major contention is the 3rd district, where Congresswoman Sharice Davids currently serves. Once Governor Kelly receives the bill, she will have 10 days to sign or veto. The state legislature will next work on the district maps for Kansas House and Senate. Read more.
- Missouri – The Missouri House approved a Congressional map that largely maintains the 6 Republican and 2 Democrat held districts, after some debate over a proposed “7-1” map that would make it more likely to send more Republicans to Congress. Senate leaders will likely bring the map up next week for further discussion and a vote. Learn more.
State of the States
The state of the state address, which most governors give annually, provides an opportunity for governors to report on the status of the state, as well as to outline their priorities for the next year.
- Kansas – Governor Kelly gave her state of the state on January 11th. In her address, Governor Kelly prioritized eliminating the sales tax on food, expanding Medicaid, expanding broadband, and increasing funding for things like law enforcement and mental health services. Watch it here.
- Missouri – Governor Parson gave his state of the state on January 19th. In his speech, Governor Parson lauded the state of the economy, and made some requests, including: more money for childcare centers, an increase in teacher pay, a state employee pay increase, a cut in the state’s income tax rate, and money for infrastructure projects like broadband expansion. watch it here.
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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