Massachusetts Artists Leaders Coalition

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

Urgent CALL-TO-ACTION: Protect the Johnson Amendment and Nonprofit Independence

Call-to-Action via the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network:

MA Nonprofit Network logoA U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee approved a bill with a rider that would significantly weaken enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, vital language in U.S. tax code that keeps nonprofits independent by preventing their engagement in partisan politics. This rider is critically flawed in that it would prevent organizations from addressing community challenges without being pressured to endorse candidates.

The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday, July 13. If you live or work in the MA-5 congressional district, Representative Katherine Clark (who serves on the Appropriations Committee) needs to hear from you TODAY. We encourage you to call (202) 225-2836 or email Congresswoman Clark with this simple message: “As your constituent, I ask that you act to strip the Johnson Amendment language in Section 116 from the Financial Services appropriations bill.”

The National Council of Nonprofits plans to deliver a letter to each member of the House Appropriations Committee today, co-signed by MNN and thousands of other organizations, to demonstrate that the nonprofit sector nationwide stands with the majority of American voters in supporting the Johnson Amendment and nonprofits solely focused on advancing the public good.

To educate yourself on this issue and to help craft your messaging, see our one-pager on the Johnson Amendment* and our Commonwealth Insights report.

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*The Johnson Amendment is a provision in the U.S. tax code that prohibits all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations from directly or indirectly participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. The provision was named after then Democratic Minority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson and was passed by Congress in 1954.

Important Reminder

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