Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

Artists leaders and artist-run groups addressing policy issues that affect artists in Massachusetts

Important: Act TODAY, Preserve the Johnson Amendment and Nonprofit Nonpartisanship

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Take Action TODAY to Preserve the Johnson Amendment and Nonprofit Nonpartisanship

A new threat to the Johnson Amendment and the nonpartisanship of the nonprofit sector requires action of Massachusetts nonprofits and their supporters. Congressional leadership wants to pass an omnibus spending bill this week. The threat that one or more Congresspersons could attach a rider to the omnibus spending bill that significantly weakens the protections enshrined in the Johnson Amendment is very real. Tim Delaney, President of the National Council of Nonprofits, explains what exactly is at stake in this recent conversation published in The Nonprofit Quarterly.

We know that our voices combined with allies from across the country make a real difference. During the debate around the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2017, the nonprofit sector and its supporters successfully defended anti-Johnson Amendment language from inclusion in the final tax reform bill.

Today through Wednesday, March 14 is our best shot at keeping the Johnson Amendment out of the omnibus spending bill. If the House includes an anti-Johnson Amendment rider in this bill, it will be nearly impossible to get it removed.

Here’s two things you can do today to defend nonprofit nonpartisanship:

  1. Visit our Advocacy Action Center to write an email, Tweet, or Facebook post aimed at your Senators and Representatives, urging them to oppose anti-Johnson Amendment language in the omnibus spending bill.
  2. The lawmakers in the middle of the decision represent districts in California, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Reach out to colleagues in those states and urge them to contact their Representatives and Senators similarly.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your support of the nonprofit sector. If you have any questions on this or another federal, state, or local policy issue impacting nonprofits, please let us know.

Best,

The MNN Team

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, 89 South Street, Suite 603, Boston, MA 02111