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Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Economy. Show all posts
Monday, May 13, 2013
News from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
2011 Member Mapping Report from National Council of Nonprofits
2011 Member Mapping Report from National Council of Nonprofits
A unique report that gives your State Association data and analyses that are relevant to every State Association board and staff member in the National Council of Nonprofits' network.
The 2011 report addresses many frequently asked questions, including:
A unique report that gives your State Association data and analyses that are relevant to every State Association board and staff member in the National Council of Nonprofits' network.
The 2011 report addresses many frequently asked questions, including:
- How are State Associations weathering the economy?
- How do State Associations earn revenue other than through member dues?
- Why are the numbers of people trained through our network trending down?
- Why are there lots of new members in State Associations every year, but not a corresponding growth in the network?
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Philanthropy and Job Creation
The Foundation Center and IssueLab joined together to interview six nonprofit and foundation leaders working on the urgent issue of job creation.
Whether you interpret the jobs report that was released Friday by the Labor Department as promising or disappointing, the fact remains that the country is still mired in a joblessness crisis, with an unemployment rate of close to 9 percent. Amidst the talk of how the job market is faring in the business community, nonprofits in the U.S. are quietly creating jobs by cultivating entrepreneurship, ensuring that new jobs are both environmentally sound and pay a living wage, testing (and proving) the viability of worker-owned businesses, and advocating for the necessity of subsidized employment programs.
Learn more about the unique perspectives offered by these nonprofit leaders and what they think is missing from the national discourse.
Whether you interpret the jobs report that was released Friday by the Labor Department as promising or disappointing, the fact remains that the country is still mired in a joblessness crisis, with an unemployment rate of close to 9 percent. Amidst the talk of how the job market is faring in the business community, nonprofits in the U.S. are quietly creating jobs by cultivating entrepreneurship, ensuring that new jobs are both environmentally sound and pay a living wage, testing (and proving) the viability of worker-owned businesses, and advocating for the necessity of subsidized employment programs.
Learn more about the unique perspectives offered by these nonprofit leaders and what they think is missing from the national discourse.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
GuideStar Offers: The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector
More than 7,000 people responded to our June 2010 economic survey, which measured the impact of these difficult economic times on the nonprofit sector. Among respondents, nearly half were CEOs, executive directors, or presidents—our leaders in the nonprofit industry. The results are compelling:
Some 40 percent of participants reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier.
Eight percent indicated that their organizations were in imminent danger of closing.
Sixty-three percent reported a total increase in demand for their organization's services between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year prior.
Read all of the survey's findings here, for free:"The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector."
Some 40 percent of participants reported that contributions to their organizations dropped between January 1 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier.
Eight percent indicated that their organizations were in imminent danger of closing.
Sixty-three percent reported a total increase in demand for their organization's services between January 1, 2010 and May 31, 2010, compared to the same period a year prior.
Read all of the survey's findings here, for free:"The Effect of the Economy on the Nonprofit Sector."
Friday, February 19, 2010
NY plans to close 55 state parks, historic sites
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a recommended list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement:
"New York faces an historic fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude. It has demanded many difficult but necessary decisions to help ensure the fiscal integrity of our State. The unfortunate reality of closing an $8.2 billion deficit is that there is less money available for many worthy services and programs. In an environment when we have to cut funding to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and social services, no area of State spending, including parks and historic sites, could be exempt from reductions. We cannot mortgage our State's financial future through further gimmicks or avoidance behavior. Spending cuts, however difficult, are needed in order to put New York on the road to fiscal recovery. Going forward through the budget process, I look forward to a productive dialogue with the Legislature on parks and historic sites, as well as other issues."
OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash issued the following statement:
"The 2010-11 Executive Budget included reductions to every area of State spending. As such, the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation has today put forward proposed closures and service reductions to meet its agency savings target. These actions were not recommended lightly, but they are necessary to address our State's extraordinary fiscal difficulties."
###
A fact sheet on the proposed closures and service reductions is included below:
The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today put forward a list of closures and service reductions in order to achieve its proposed 2010-11 agency savings target and help address the State's historic fiscal difficulties. As part of a comprehensive plan to close an $8.2 billion deficit, the 2010-11 Executive Budget included necessary cost reductions to each executive State agency, as well as cuts to education, health care, social services, and every other area of State spending.
OPRHP's plan includes the closure of 41 parks and 14 historic sites, and service reductions at 23 parks and 1 historic site.
The plan also assumes $4 million in park and historic site fee increases that will be identified at a later date, and the use of $5 million in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to finance OPRHP operations. These two actions were part of the 21-day amendments to the Executive Budget and are intended to reduce the number of parks and historic sites subject to closures and service reductions.
Specific recommended closures and service reductions are detailed here.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Companies paying more in unemployment taxes
CNN Money featured the following article on rising unemployment expenses throughout the US. As the article relates:
Employers are getting hit with a massive tax hike at a time when they can least afford it.
Companies in at least 35 states will have to fork over more in unemployment insurance taxes this year, according to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.
The median increase will be 27.5%. And employers in places such as Hawaii and Florida could see levies skyrocket more than ten-fold.
Many of these hikes happened automatically as prolonged joblessness triggered state laws governing their unemployment insurance systems. But at least seven states voted to raise their taxable wage bases, the level of income subject to unemployment tax. And another 10 are looking at upping the wage bases or tax rates.
The states are scrambling to restore their unemployment insurance trust funds, which cover claims.
State trust funds have been decimated by the Great Recession, forcing a record 26 states to borrow a total of more than $30 billion from the federal government. The numbers are expected to grow to 40 states borrowing $90 billion by 2012, said George Wentworth, policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project. Read more here. The state by state unemployment rate listing is available here for 2009. NY's rate in 2008 was 6.3 and in 2009 increased to 8.6.
Looking for Unemployment Insurance assistance? Contact NYCON for information on our Unemployment Savings Program. You will receive a free cost savings analysis, which will tell you how much money you will save. We will advise you on your best option, including if you’re better off staying in the state tax system. Contact us with your questions.
Employers are getting hit with a massive tax hike at a time when they can least afford it.
Companies in at least 35 states will have to fork over more in unemployment insurance taxes this year, according to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies.
The median increase will be 27.5%. And employers in places such as Hawaii and Florida could see levies skyrocket more than ten-fold.
Many of these hikes happened automatically as prolonged joblessness triggered state laws governing their unemployment insurance systems. But at least seven states voted to raise their taxable wage bases, the level of income subject to unemployment tax. And another 10 are looking at upping the wage bases or tax rates.
The states are scrambling to restore their unemployment insurance trust funds, which cover claims.
State trust funds have been decimated by the Great Recession, forcing a record 26 states to borrow a total of more than $30 billion from the federal government. The numbers are expected to grow to 40 states borrowing $90 billion by 2012, said George Wentworth, policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project. Read more here. The state by state unemployment rate listing is available here for 2009. NY's rate in 2008 was 6.3 and in 2009 increased to 8.6.
Looking for Unemployment Insurance assistance? Contact NYCON for information on our Unemployment Savings Program. You will receive a free cost savings analysis, which will tell you how much money you will save. We will advise you on your best option, including if you’re better off staying in the state tax system. Contact us with your questions.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
State tax collections drop 11% nationally
The Albany Business Journal reported that a new report reveals New York and states across the nation have suffered the worst decline in tax revenue in more than four decades.
State tax collections dropped 11 percent from July to September 2009, the latest data available, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The Albany-based research group is the public policy wing of the State University of New York system.
The first three quarters of 2009 marked the largest drop in state tax collections since at least 1963, the institute’s Jan. 7 report found. Early data for the fourth quarter of 2009 shows continued declines, though seemingly more moderate than what was experienced earlier in the recession.
New York is one of 28 state economies that, as of November, was continuing to decline, the report said. The findings were based on an index measuring unemployment, sales tax collections, private-sector employment and average weekly hours worked by manufacturing employees. Read more here.
State tax collections dropped 11 percent from July to September 2009, the latest data available, according to the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The Albany-based research group is the public policy wing of the State University of New York system.
The first three quarters of 2009 marked the largest drop in state tax collections since at least 1963, the institute’s Jan. 7 report found. Early data for the fourth quarter of 2009 shows continued declines, though seemingly more moderate than what was experienced earlier in the recession.
New York is one of 28 state economies that, as of November, was continuing to decline, the report said. The findings were based on an index measuring unemployment, sales tax collections, private-sector employment and average weekly hours worked by manufacturing employees. Read more here.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON OUTLINES PAYMENT REDUCTION PLAN TO KEEP STATE SOLVENT
For Immediate Release: December 13, 2009
Contact: Marissa Shorenstein marissa.shorenstein@chamber.state.ny.us 518.474.8418 212.681.4640
DOB Contact: Matt Anderson matt.anderson@budget.state.ny.us 518.473.3885 518.248.7310
Action Needed to Address Cash-Flow Problem
Through Use of the Certification Provision, Budget Division to Withhold $750 Million in Scheduled Payments
Governor David A. Paterson today outlined what steps he has directed the Division of the Budget to take in order to keep the New York State solvent. To address a severe cash shortage and help keep the current-year budget in balance, he has ordered $750 million in reductions to scheduled December payments. The following fact sheet outlines the State’s current cash position, as well as the specific actions Governor Paterson is ordering the Budget Division to implement through its Certification Provision authority. These measures will ensure the continued operation of New York’s government.
December Payment Reductions Fact Sheet
The Division of the Budget’s most recent update to the State financial plan forecasted a current-year deficit of $3.2 billion. Additionally, the Office of the State Comptroller has said that this budget gap could be more than $4 billion. However, the Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP) that the Legislature enacted on December 2 – when combined with the administrative cuts Governor Paterson is implementing – included only $2.7 billion in current-year savings actions. Regardless of any budget actions proposed in January, measures must be taken to address the State’s severe projected cash-flow crunch during the month of December and the remainder of this fiscal year.
Background: Cash-flow Situation
Even after using $1.2 billion in rainy day reserve funds for cash-flow purposes and delaying a scheduled $1 billion pension fund payment, the Division of the Budget forecasts that, if current expenditures are made on schedule, the State’s General Fund will have a negative balance of over $1 billion at the close of December. This would represent the first time in New York’s history that the General Fund has ended a month with a negative balance. Indeed, the State’s cash position is weaker than at any point in recent history – even after the attacks on September 11.
When the General Fund has a negative balance, it is authorized to temporarily borrow money from other governmental funds (the “Short-term Investment Pool” or STIP) for a period of up to four months or the end of the fiscal year – whichever period is shorter – in order to help meet immediate cash-flow needs. However, the funds available to the State in the STIP for cash-flow purposes are limited. At the close of December, current projections from the Division of the Budget and Office of the State Comptroller indicate that STIP resources may be temporarily exhausted. Moreover, within the month of December itself, there may be periods of time when daily available fund balances are inadequate to make scheduled payments.
Background: Certification Provision
The 2009-10 Enacted Budget included a blanket “Certification Provision” that governs local assistance appropriations. It states that:
“No moneys appropriated by this [law] shall be available for payment until a certificate of approval has been issued by the director of the budget, who shall file such certificate with the department of audit and control, the chairperson of the senate finance committee and the chairperson of the assembly ways and means committee.”
In order to preserve the continued financial stability and orderly operation of State government, Governor Paterson has directed the Division of the Budget to exercise its authority to withhold certification of local assistance payments for appropriations subject to the Certification Provision.
Specific December Payment Reductions
The Division of the Budget has identified the largest expenditures that the State is expected to make in December. These include: a $2.3 billion payment to school districts for the STAR program; $1.5 billion in School Aid payments; $450 million in payments to cities through the Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) program; $398 million in payments to counties for human services reimbursements; and $247 million in payments to health insurers for State employee fringe benefits. Together, they total $4.9 billion.
Municipalities and school districts are expected to receive payments for AIM ($450 million) and School Aid ($1.5 billion) by December 15. The certificates for those payments will each be reduced by 10 percent. These reductions will help the State maintain a positive cash position over the course of the next week.
Additional payments for STAR, human services, and State employee fringe benefits are expected to be made later in the month. The certifications for those expenditures will each be reduced by approximately 19 percent. This higher percentage reflects the significant uncertainties related to cash availability at the end of the month due to risks associated with potential receipts volatility.
In total, these December certification reductions will produce a total of $750 million in cash-flow savings.
Payment Amount Reduction Payee
STAR Payment $2,295M $436M School Districts
School Aid $1,460M $146M School Districts
AIM $450M $45M Cities
GSCs (State Employee Fringe Benefits) $247M $47M Insurance Carriers
Human Services $398M $76M Counties
TOTAL $4,850M $750M
As sufficient revenue becomes available, the State will potentially pay the amounts that were delayed. As a result, these particular December reductions represent cash-management actions, rather than a permanent elimination of liability for these specific payments. Governor Paterson will announce further actions in his Executive Budget to fully eliminate the Stare’s remaining current-year deficit. He also reserves the right to institute further payment delays later over the remaining months of the fiscal year in order to preserve the State’s cash position.
Contact: Marissa Shorenstein marissa.shorenstein@chamber.state.ny.us 518.474.8418 212.681.4640
DOB Contact: Matt Anderson matt.anderson@budget.state.ny.us 518.473.3885 518.248.7310
Action Needed to Address Cash-Flow Problem
Through Use of the Certification Provision, Budget Division to Withhold $750 Million in Scheduled Payments
Governor David A. Paterson today outlined what steps he has directed the Division of the Budget to take in order to keep the New York State solvent. To address a severe cash shortage and help keep the current-year budget in balance, he has ordered $750 million in reductions to scheduled December payments. The following fact sheet outlines the State’s current cash position, as well as the specific actions Governor Paterson is ordering the Budget Division to implement through its Certification Provision authority. These measures will ensure the continued operation of New York’s government.
December Payment Reductions Fact Sheet
The Division of the Budget’s most recent update to the State financial plan forecasted a current-year deficit of $3.2 billion. Additionally, the Office of the State Comptroller has said that this budget gap could be more than $4 billion. However, the Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP) that the Legislature enacted on December 2 – when combined with the administrative cuts Governor Paterson is implementing – included only $2.7 billion in current-year savings actions. Regardless of any budget actions proposed in January, measures must be taken to address the State’s severe projected cash-flow crunch during the month of December and the remainder of this fiscal year.
Background: Cash-flow Situation
Even after using $1.2 billion in rainy day reserve funds for cash-flow purposes and delaying a scheduled $1 billion pension fund payment, the Division of the Budget forecasts that, if current expenditures are made on schedule, the State’s General Fund will have a negative balance of over $1 billion at the close of December. This would represent the first time in New York’s history that the General Fund has ended a month with a negative balance. Indeed, the State’s cash position is weaker than at any point in recent history – even after the attacks on September 11.
When the General Fund has a negative balance, it is authorized to temporarily borrow money from other governmental funds (the “Short-term Investment Pool” or STIP) for a period of up to four months or the end of the fiscal year – whichever period is shorter – in order to help meet immediate cash-flow needs. However, the funds available to the State in the STIP for cash-flow purposes are limited. At the close of December, current projections from the Division of the Budget and Office of the State Comptroller indicate that STIP resources may be temporarily exhausted. Moreover, within the month of December itself, there may be periods of time when daily available fund balances are inadequate to make scheduled payments.
Background: Certification Provision
The 2009-10 Enacted Budget included a blanket “Certification Provision” that governs local assistance appropriations. It states that:
“No moneys appropriated by this [law] shall be available for payment until a certificate of approval has been issued by the director of the budget, who shall file such certificate with the department of audit and control, the chairperson of the senate finance committee and the chairperson of the assembly ways and means committee.”
In order to preserve the continued financial stability and orderly operation of State government, Governor Paterson has directed the Division of the Budget to exercise its authority to withhold certification of local assistance payments for appropriations subject to the Certification Provision.
Specific December Payment Reductions
The Division of the Budget has identified the largest expenditures that the State is expected to make in December. These include: a $2.3 billion payment to school districts for the STAR program; $1.5 billion in School Aid payments; $450 million in payments to cities through the Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) program; $398 million in payments to counties for human services reimbursements; and $247 million in payments to health insurers for State employee fringe benefits. Together, they total $4.9 billion.
Municipalities and school districts are expected to receive payments for AIM ($450 million) and School Aid ($1.5 billion) by December 15. The certificates for those payments will each be reduced by 10 percent. These reductions will help the State maintain a positive cash position over the course of the next week.
Additional payments for STAR, human services, and State employee fringe benefits are expected to be made later in the month. The certifications for those expenditures will each be reduced by approximately 19 percent. This higher percentage reflects the significant uncertainties related to cash availability at the end of the month due to risks associated with potential receipts volatility.
In total, these December certification reductions will produce a total of $750 million in cash-flow savings.
Payment Amount Reduction Payee
STAR Payment $2,295M $436M School Districts
School Aid $1,460M $146M School Districts
AIM $450M $45M Cities
GSCs (State Employee Fringe Benefits) $247M $47M Insurance Carriers
Human Services $398M $76M Counties
TOTAL $4,850M $750M
As sufficient revenue becomes available, the State will potentially pay the amounts that were delayed. As a result, these particular December reductions represent cash-management actions, rather than a permanent elimination of liability for these specific payments. Governor Paterson will announce further actions in his Executive Budget to fully eliminate the Stare’s remaining current-year deficit. He also reserves the right to institute further payment delays later over the remaining months of the fiscal year in order to preserve the State’s cash position.
Local Governments Seek to Raise Revenues through Fees on Nonprofits
The National Council of Nonprofits reported that with revenues depleted, an increasing number of local governments have been trying to tap nonprofits for funds. This excellent article summarizes why nonprofits - as one leader of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits testified - are feeling "death by a thousand cuts" due to a proliferation of fees and assessments from local government. As a YMCA leader explained: "Nonprofits have tax exemption for a reason - they provide service to the community that lessens the burden on government. We are partners with government and the community. But as these additional fees and assessments get assigned, it comes out of our donated dollars and resources."
Allegheny County Commission (Pennyslvania) recently voted unanimously to impose $13 million in fees on tax exempt property. The County Executive, however, vetoed the tax, saying it was illegal under Pennsylvania law. When the county solicitor agreed that the tax was unconstitutional, the Commission backed off - although several commissioners reportedly vowed to search for other ways to get money from nonprofits.
Even though Minnesota law recognizes that nonprofits lessen the burden of government and therefore exempts nonprofit property from taxation, Minneapolis has tried to be creative by instead imposing a "streetlight" fee on churches and other nonprofits.
In Kingston (New York), local officials are looking to follow this emerging trend of charging nonprofits for local services. The garbage collection fee, unofficially dubbed "pay-as-you-throw," would raise nearly $1 million in revenue for the city. Local officials have also considered additional fees for public safety and other municipal services.
Allegheny County Commission (Pennyslvania) recently voted unanimously to impose $13 million in fees on tax exempt property. The County Executive, however, vetoed the tax, saying it was illegal under Pennsylvania law. When the county solicitor agreed that the tax was unconstitutional, the Commission backed off - although several commissioners reportedly vowed to search for other ways to get money from nonprofits.
Even though Minnesota law recognizes that nonprofits lessen the burden of government and therefore exempts nonprofit property from taxation, Minneapolis has tried to be creative by instead imposing a "streetlight" fee on churches and other nonprofits.
In Kingston (New York), local officials are looking to follow this emerging trend of charging nonprofits for local services. The garbage collection fee, unofficially dubbed "pay-as-you-throw," would raise nearly $1 million in revenue for the city. Local officials have also considered additional fees for public safety and other municipal services.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Budget Cuts Threaten Local Nonprofit, Times Union Piece Garners Community Comments
Center for Disability Services warns of pending cuts
From the Times Union, November 9, 2009 at 11:10 am by Chris Churchill
The Center for Disability Services, an Albany non-profit and one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region, is warning its employees that stark cuts to services and employment are looming.
The agency on Friday told its workers that budget cuts proposed by Gov. David Paterson “puts the Center’s system of care in peril.”
“We can’t endure more loss of funds and still provide basic services,” Alan Krafchin, the center’s president, said in a letter distributed to employees.
The center is based in Albany and has an annual budget of more than $100 million. Nearly all of that money comes from government sources, supplemented by private donations and a commercial mailing business the center runs.
Krafchin says Paterson’s proposed $65 million cut to the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will reduce funding to the center by about $2.5 million.
Earlier this year, the Center for Disability Services shuttered day care and pre-school classroom, resulting in about 50 job losses.
The Center for Disability Services has 2,400 employees and calls itself the seventh-largest private employer in the Capital Region. It provides services to 15,000 people at 85 locations in nine upstate counties.
It is far larger than most Capital Region non-profits. But its financial concerns mirror those faced by most charitable organizations, both locally and nationally, in a down economy.
From the Times Union, November 9, 2009 at 11:10 am by Chris Churchill
The Center for Disability Services, an Albany non-profit and one of the largest private employers in the Capital Region, is warning its employees that stark cuts to services and employment are looming.
The agency on Friday told its workers that budget cuts proposed by Gov. David Paterson “puts the Center’s system of care in peril.”
“We can’t endure more loss of funds and still provide basic services,” Alan Krafchin, the center’s president, said in a letter distributed to employees.
The center is based in Albany and has an annual budget of more than $100 million. Nearly all of that money comes from government sources, supplemented by private donations and a commercial mailing business the center runs.
Krafchin says Paterson’s proposed $65 million cut to the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities will reduce funding to the center by about $2.5 million.
Earlier this year, the Center for Disability Services shuttered day care and pre-school classroom, resulting in about 50 job losses.
The Center for Disability Services has 2,400 employees and calls itself the seventh-largest private employer in the Capital Region. It provides services to 15,000 people at 85 locations in nine upstate counties.
It is far larger than most Capital Region non-profits. But its financial concerns mirror those faced by most charitable organizations, both locally and nationally, in a down economy.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Paterson orders state agencies to trim $500 million in spending
The Central NY Business Journal reported Gov. David Paterson today directed state agencies to cut $500 million in current-year spending.
The action represents a reduction of about 11 percent in each agency's 2009-2010 non-personal services budget.
Those budgets cover all operating costs outside salaries and benefits. The expenses include travel, vehicles, leases, energy, postage, consultant contracts, and equipment.
Paterson also recommended that commissioners turn to more employee attrition and severance payments, beyond those assumed in their work-force reduction plans, to lower payroll costs.
The action represents a reduction of about 11 percent in each agency's 2009-2010 non-personal services budget.
Those budgets cover all operating costs outside salaries and benefits. The expenses include travel, vehicles, leases, energy, postage, consultant contracts, and equipment.
Paterson also recommended that commissioners turn to more employee attrition and severance payments, beyond those assumed in their work-force reduction plans, to lower payroll costs.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
State unemployment rises to highest level since 1983
The Central NY Business Journal reported that New York's unemployment rate climbed to 9 percent in August, up from 8.6 percent in July, according to new data the state Labor Department released today.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million. Read more here.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million. Read more here.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What Can Nonprofit Groups Do To Save Money, Energy and the Environment?
The Schenectady ARC will host a FREE workshop entitled "What Can Nonprofit Groups Do to Save Money, Energy and the Environment?"
The workshop will be held in room 233 of Schenectady ARC's 214 State Street Offices.
The presentation will be conducted by Mark De Chiro Regional Coordinator for the Capital/Saratoga Region Energy $mart Communities Program c/o the New Your State Energy and Research and Development Authority. Information about NYSERDA program will be available. The event, which will be one hour in duration, will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration at 7:30 a.m.
To Register, please contact Mark Sheehan, Schenectady ARC's Director of New Initiatives, at 518.372.1160, ext. 8217.
SPONSOR: Schenectady ARC
WHEN: 9/22/2009 at 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 214 State Street, Room 233, Schenectady, NY 12301
SPEAKER: Mark DeChiro
ADMISSION COST: FREE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Mark DeChiro or call 518.542.5175 or email mdechiro1@nycap.rr.com
The workshop will be held in room 233 of Schenectady ARC's 214 State Street Offices.
The presentation will be conducted by Mark De Chiro Regional Coordinator for the Capital/Saratoga Region Energy $mart Communities Program c/o the New Your State Energy and Research and Development Authority. Information about NYSERDA program will be available. The event, which will be one hour in duration, will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration at 7:30 a.m.
To Register, please contact Mark Sheehan, Schenectady ARC's Director of New Initiatives, at 518.372.1160, ext. 8217.
SPONSOR: Schenectady ARC
WHEN: 9/22/2009 at 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 214 State Street, Room 233, Schenectady, NY 12301
SPEAKER: Mark DeChiro
ADMISSION COST: FREE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Mark DeChiro or call 518.542.5175 or email mdechiro1@nycap.rr.com
Monday, August 24, 2009
NYS Arts Update: Budget Issues Ahead
There is a $2.1 billion hole in the current NYS budget and word has it that the state will have a 'negative cash flow' around November!!The $2.1 billion shortfall in NYS's budget is a result of plummeting sales and income tax receipts, according to the Division of the Budget. In response, the Governor has said that further action is needed to control spending. Sound familiar? Expect this to be the precursor to mid-year budget cuts. Again.We anticipate that the Legislature will convene in SEPTEMBER to discuss budget amendments (read "cuts") to the current State budget.
WHAT CAN WE DO? Start setting up appointments NOW to meet with your legislators at home right after Labor Day. Discuss the impact of the arts in your community. You know the drill: letters, brochures, stories that tug at the heart and at the economic epicenter of our communities. Need your legislator's contact information?
NYS ARTS will begin our online campaigns after Labor Day....so watch your inbox for action items in our Online Advocacy Center.
HERE IS THE BACK STORY
Although lawmakers cut more than $17 billion to produce the current FY 09-10 $131.8 billion NYS budget, it appears clear that new spending cuts-or new revenue-will be needed.
New revenue is not happening since: a)Income tax collections already dropped 35% in the first quarter of the 2009-10 fiscal year. The drop was $584 million more than had been projected in May; b) Sales tax collections fell 6%. That was $159 million less than expected; c) Wages across the state are projected to fall 4.8% in 2009, the largest drop ever recorded. This will produce a ripple effect that will affect all of the state's revenue sources now and over the next four years; d) Other reductions and increased public-assistance costs have contributed to the gap.
And these are all first quarter reports. One must assume that the second quarter reports will look gloomier.
The budget deficit is projected to grow to $4.6 billion in 2010-11. This is an increase of $2.2 billion from the estimate in May. It is expected to reach a cumulative $38.2 billion over the next four years. And the state's general fund may be in negative cash flow by November or December, requiring it to borrow from other state funds.
And here is the latest salvo:As Voter Disgust With Albany Rises, So Do Calls for a New Constitution (NY Times)
Now in the weeks since a partisan power struggle in the State Senate brought New York's government to new heights of chaos, a growing chorus is calling for a more radical approach: a constitutional convention to rewrite the state's very political DNA.
Read more here.
WHAT CAN WE DO? Start setting up appointments NOW to meet with your legislators at home right after Labor Day. Discuss the impact of the arts in your community. You know the drill: letters, brochures, stories that tug at the heart and at the economic epicenter of our communities. Need your legislator's contact information?
NYS ARTS will begin our online campaigns after Labor Day....so watch your inbox for action items in our Online Advocacy Center.
HERE IS THE BACK STORY
Although lawmakers cut more than $17 billion to produce the current FY 09-10 $131.8 billion NYS budget, it appears clear that new spending cuts-or new revenue-will be needed.
New revenue is not happening since: a)Income tax collections already dropped 35% in the first quarter of the 2009-10 fiscal year. The drop was $584 million more than had been projected in May; b) Sales tax collections fell 6%. That was $159 million less than expected; c) Wages across the state are projected to fall 4.8% in 2009, the largest drop ever recorded. This will produce a ripple effect that will affect all of the state's revenue sources now and over the next four years; d) Other reductions and increased public-assistance costs have contributed to the gap.
And these are all first quarter reports. One must assume that the second quarter reports will look gloomier.
The budget deficit is projected to grow to $4.6 billion in 2010-11. This is an increase of $2.2 billion from the estimate in May. It is expected to reach a cumulative $38.2 billion over the next four years. And the state's general fund may be in negative cash flow by November or December, requiring it to borrow from other state funds.
And here is the latest salvo:As Voter Disgust With Albany Rises, So Do Calls for a New Constitution (NY Times)
Now in the weeks since a partisan power struggle in the State Senate brought New York's government to new heights of chaos, a growing chorus is calling for a more radical approach: a constitutional convention to rewrite the state's very political DNA.
Read more here.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
State Tax Revenues at Record Low, Rockefeller Institute Finds
The NY Times related that the anemic economy decimated state tax collections during the first three months of the year, according to a report released Friday by the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The drop in revenues was the steepest in the 46 years that quarterly data has been available.
The blow to state coffers, which the report said appeared to worsen in the second quarter of the year, reflects the gravity of the recession and suggests the extent to which many states will probably have to resort to more spending cuts or tax increases to balance their budgets.
Over all, the report found that state tax collections dropped 11.7 percent in the first three months of 2009, compared with the same period last year. After adjusting for inflation, new changes in tax rates and other anomalies, the report found that tax revenues had declined in 47 of the 50 states in the quarter.
All the major sources of state tax revenue — sales taxes, personal income taxes and corporate income taxes — took serious blows, the report found.
As more people lost their jobs, took pay cuts or worked fewer hours, personal income tax collections fell 17.5 percent in the quarter. Weak retail sales sent sales tax collections down 8.3 percent. Corporate income tax collections, which are often highly variable, declined 18.8 percent. Read more here.
The blow to state coffers, which the report said appeared to worsen in the second quarter of the year, reflects the gravity of the recession and suggests the extent to which many states will probably have to resort to more spending cuts or tax increases to balance their budgets.
Over all, the report found that state tax collections dropped 11.7 percent in the first three months of 2009, compared with the same period last year. After adjusting for inflation, new changes in tax rates and other anomalies, the report found that tax revenues had declined in 47 of the 50 states in the quarter.
All the major sources of state tax revenue — sales taxes, personal income taxes and corporate income taxes — took serious blows, the report found.
As more people lost their jobs, took pay cuts or worked fewer hours, personal income tax collections fell 17.5 percent in the quarter. Weak retail sales sent sales tax collections down 8.3 percent. Corporate income tax collections, which are often highly variable, declined 18.8 percent. Read more here.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Survey: Nonprofit Mergers, Sales Not On The Table
The Nonprofit Times reported on a recent Nonprofit Finance Fund survey that related very few organizations are even considering mergers or selling assets. Instead, nonprofits are more likely to develop worst-case scenario contingency budgets and engage more closely with their board.
Nearly half of respondents (48 percent) said they would freeze all hires and current salaries or have funder conversations to explain the situation and/or use of currently restricted grants to “keep their doors open in difficult times.” Only 4 percent called it “business as usual” and plan no change.
Asked what type of technical assistance would be helpful to their organizations, respondents most wanted “tools to communicate financial picture to the board and/or funders” and “financial scenario planning” with some also looking for assistance analyzing their current financial situation or program finance analytics.
About 16 percent anticipate being able to cover operating expenses in both 2009 and 2010. More than half expect the recession to have a long-term (more than two years) or permanent negative financial effect on their organizations. Read the full article here.
Nearly half of respondents (48 percent) said they would freeze all hires and current salaries or have funder conversations to explain the situation and/or use of currently restricted grants to “keep their doors open in difficult times.” Only 4 percent called it “business as usual” and plan no change.
Asked what type of technical assistance would be helpful to their organizations, respondents most wanted “tools to communicate financial picture to the board and/or funders” and “financial scenario planning” with some also looking for assistance analyzing their current financial situation or program finance analytics.
About 16 percent anticipate being able to cover operating expenses in both 2009 and 2010. More than half expect the recession to have a long-term (more than two years) or permanent negative financial effect on their organizations. Read the full article here.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Announcing the New York State Cultural Data Project
The New York State Council on the Arts has joined to help launch the New York State Cultural Data Project (New York State CDP), a powerful management tool for arts and cultural organizations. This unique system will, at no cost, allow arts managers and artistic leaders to understand and analyze their organization’s financial performance through easy-to-run reports. By participating in the New York State CDP, you will be part of a successful and growing project that will allow researchers and the arts community as a whole to better articulate and provide evidence for the sector’s assets and needs, as well as its contributions to the state and the country. By completing the online form annually, you will also be able to generate reports to be submitted to grantmakers with the click of a button.
NYSCA, along with a number of private and public funders and arts advocacy organizations, is pleased to be a member of the Taskforce that is working to bring CDP to New York State.
NYSCA believes that CDP could be of service to the field, particularly based on their experience with Cultural Blueprints. During the nine sessions held to date across the state, a common need for more robust research, advocacy and policy discussions with and about the cultural sector emerged. They believe that CDP has the potential to be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. Overall, they would like to engage the field in a conversation both about what those needs are and how CDP can help address them.
About CDP
An online system for reporting historical organizational and financial data, CDP will be offered at no charge to arts and cultural organizations (and entities/individuals with a fiscal conduit) across the state. Once an organization’s data has been entered into this 11 part, web-based form on an annual basis, the organization is able to:
NYSCA, along with a number of private and public funders and arts advocacy organizations, is pleased to be a member of the Taskforce that is working to bring CDP to New York State.
NYSCA believes that CDP could be of service to the field, particularly based on their experience with Cultural Blueprints. During the nine sessions held to date across the state, a common need for more robust research, advocacy and policy discussions with and about the cultural sector emerged. They believe that CDP has the potential to be a valuable tool in addressing these issues. Overall, they would like to engage the field in a conversation both about what those needs are and how CDP can help address them.
About CDP
An online system for reporting historical organizational and financial data, CDP will be offered at no charge to arts and cultural organizations (and entities/individuals with a fiscal conduit) across the state. Once an organization’s data has been entered into this 11 part, web-based form on an annual basis, the organization is able to:
- Streamline grant applications to participating funders: Once data is entered into CDP, it doesn't need to be reentered when applying to the funders listed at the bottom of this email.
- Generate one of 77 on-demand reports: Organizations can produce the data they have inputted for their own reporting and fundraising purposes, including presentations to board members, funders, staff and other audiences.
- Ensure that your organization is included in major advocacy efforts: Aggregate data from CDP is available to all advocates, researchers and interested parties to help make the case for the arts in New York State.
Organizations can participate and benefit from the system regardless of whether they are a recipient of support from any of the participating funders. Additionally, there is a full-time Help Desk/hotline available to guide organizations in entering and understanding the data.
NYSCA is interested in your feedback in terms of how CDP can be most useful to your organization, how NYSCA can best incorporate it into our grantmaking process, and how it can help shape policy and advocacy efforts. Please read the letter from the CDP Taskforce, go online and learn about the system at www.nysculturaldata.org, and, most importantly, attend a free demonstration and discussion (see below). Please direct your feedback either to NYSCA program staff or cdp@nysca.org.
Get the most from the New York State CDP.
Attend a free demonstration and discussion.
Register for a demonstration and discussion by visiting www.nysculturaldata.org and clicking on "Attend a Demonstration and Discussion."
September 23 - 25, 2009 Capital, Saratoga and Mid-Hudson Regions
Friday, May 22, 2009
Albany's April Revenue Fell 44% From 2008
NYS Arts offered the following article by Jeremy W. Peters relating that less than two months into the state's fiscal year, revenue collections are about half of what they were last year, according to a report issued by the state comptroller on Tuesday.
The findings reinforced what seemed to be a foregone conclusion almost as soon as Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders agreed last month to the state's $131 billion budget: Lawmakers will need to return to Albany at some point this year to make further cuts.
The comptroller's report said the state collected $4.8 billion in revenue in April, compared with $8.6 billion collected in April 2008, a 44 percent decline.
Collections missed the revenue forecast the governor's office had issued just three weeks ago by nearly a quarter of a billion dollars. The comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, said that while it was too soon to say for certain whether the budget would have to be reopened, the outlook was not encouraging.
"If you look at the most optimistic projections, which call for a rebound in the third or fourth quarter, it's going be a very tight budget picture," he said. "Until we start to see some upturn in overall economic activity, the expectation should be that revenues are going to continue to be off.
"The revenue numbers, which include income taxes the state collected around the April 15 deadline, reflect the toll the recession has taken on New Yorkers' personal finances. The state collected $2.9 billion in personal income taxes in April, a 49 percent decline from April 2008.The numbers do not reflect a vast majority of the new and increased taxes and fees approved in the budget that will finance state operations through next winter, a fact the governor's Division of the Budget pointed out on Tuesday. The state began assessing higher personal income taxes on the highest-earning New Yorkers at the beginning of May, and that revenue will not begin showing up on the balance sheets until late May or early June. All told, the new and higher taxes and fees are expected to bring in more than $5 billion a year.
A spokesman for the Budget Division, Jeffrey Gordon, said the state's finances were not as perilous as the comptroller's report suggested, in part because adjustments to spending had been made in anticipation of the drop in revenue.
"The state's finances are in line with the fiscal plan, since decreases in projected revenues were largely offset by decreases in spending," Mr. Gordon said.
The budget the Democratic-controlled Legislature enacted and Mr. Paterson signed was widely criticized by Republicans and independent budget analysts as bloated and heavily reliant on temporary sources of revenue at a time when, they asserted, the state should be exercising fiscal discipline. Spending for 2009-10 rose more than 9 percent over the previous year when several billion dollars in federal stimulus money are included.
With his poll numbers at historic lows, Mr. Paterson has tried to position himself anew as a fiscal conservative. He recently called for a plan that would set mandatory limits on state spending. That plan, however, does not appear to be gaining much traction in the Legislature.
Reacting to Mr. DiNapoli's report, Democrats said that it was still far too early to tell whether the impact of the federal stimulus legislation was having any effect on the state treasury's bottom line.
"I think it would be unfair to say that in April's numbers you can see the trend for the year," said Senator Liz Krueger, vice chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee. "The bad news, of course, is that we're down dramatically."
The findings reinforced what seemed to be a foregone conclusion almost as soon as Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders agreed last month to the state's $131 billion budget: Lawmakers will need to return to Albany at some point this year to make further cuts.
The comptroller's report said the state collected $4.8 billion in revenue in April, compared with $8.6 billion collected in April 2008, a 44 percent decline.
Collections missed the revenue forecast the governor's office had issued just three weeks ago by nearly a quarter of a billion dollars. The comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, said that while it was too soon to say for certain whether the budget would have to be reopened, the outlook was not encouraging.
"If you look at the most optimistic projections, which call for a rebound in the third or fourth quarter, it's going be a very tight budget picture," he said. "Until we start to see some upturn in overall economic activity, the expectation should be that revenues are going to continue to be off.
"The revenue numbers, which include income taxes the state collected around the April 15 deadline, reflect the toll the recession has taken on New Yorkers' personal finances. The state collected $2.9 billion in personal income taxes in April, a 49 percent decline from April 2008.The numbers do not reflect a vast majority of the new and increased taxes and fees approved in the budget that will finance state operations through next winter, a fact the governor's Division of the Budget pointed out on Tuesday. The state began assessing higher personal income taxes on the highest-earning New Yorkers at the beginning of May, and that revenue will not begin showing up on the balance sheets until late May or early June. All told, the new and higher taxes and fees are expected to bring in more than $5 billion a year.
A spokesman for the Budget Division, Jeffrey Gordon, said the state's finances were not as perilous as the comptroller's report suggested, in part because adjustments to spending had been made in anticipation of the drop in revenue.
"The state's finances are in line with the fiscal plan, since decreases in projected revenues were largely offset by decreases in spending," Mr. Gordon said.
The budget the Democratic-controlled Legislature enacted and Mr. Paterson signed was widely criticized by Republicans and independent budget analysts as bloated and heavily reliant on temporary sources of revenue at a time when, they asserted, the state should be exercising fiscal discipline. Spending for 2009-10 rose more than 9 percent over the previous year when several billion dollars in federal stimulus money are included.
With his poll numbers at historic lows, Mr. Paterson has tried to position himself anew as a fiscal conservative. He recently called for a plan that would set mandatory limits on state spending. That plan, however, does not appear to be gaining much traction in the Legislature.
Reacting to Mr. DiNapoli's report, Democrats said that it was still far too early to tell whether the impact of the federal stimulus legislation was having any effect on the state treasury's bottom line.
"I think it would be unfair to say that in April's numbers you can see the trend for the year," said Senator Liz Krueger, vice chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee. "The bad news, of course, is that we're down dramatically."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Association of the Blind plant working ‘flat-out’
The Albany Business Review reported on the Northeastern Association of the Blind and their growing demand for products made at their factory. The nonprofit has been hiring new employees to help meet the demand. In an economy where nonprofits are slashing programs and staff, NABA faces an enviable dilemma: It’s running out of space.
“We’re flat-out busy. It’s a good problem to have,” said Christopher Burke, NABA’s CEO and executive director.
Manufacturing revenue rose 40 percent in the first six months of the 2008-09 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Burke budgeted for revenue of $3.6 million, but expects to finish with sales of $4 million, up 28 percent from last year’s $2.9 million. One new product is moving so well that NABA plans to hire six to 10 more blind workers this summer.
Until 18 months ago, the 100,000 orange and yellow mesh vests NABA makes for the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York city, state Department of Transportation, state police and other government agencies represented almost all of the nonprofit’s manufacturing income.
In February 2008, NABA expanded its product line. It started partnering with MPE Inc. in Indiana, a uniform manufacturer, to recycle more than 100,000 Tyvek laboratory cleanroom suits a year. NABA customizes the recycled coveralls for Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia and the Long Island Railroad. Their employees wear the suits to paint and clean ships and railroad cars.
Also last year, NABA forged a partnership with Standard Mfg. Co. in Troy, an 85-year-old business that makes uniforms and clothing for 15,000 government agencies, military branches and private companies. The family-owned company employs 75 to 80 people.
For the first time since it opened in 1958, NABA’s factory is making money. Its 3 percent profit margin this year will equate to between $108,000 to $120,000 for programs that aid the 400 blind adults who use the nonprofit’s services.
But more importantly, Burke says, are the jobs the factory provides for blind people who otherwise would be chronically unemployed, on permanent disability and supported with taxpayer dollars. Only 30 percent of blind people of working age are employed, according to the American Foundation for the Blind in New York City. Read more here.
“We’re flat-out busy. It’s a good problem to have,” said Christopher Burke, NABA’s CEO and executive director.
Manufacturing revenue rose 40 percent in the first six months of the 2008-09 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Burke budgeted for revenue of $3.6 million, but expects to finish with sales of $4 million, up 28 percent from last year’s $2.9 million. One new product is moving so well that NABA plans to hire six to 10 more blind workers this summer.
Until 18 months ago, the 100,000 orange and yellow mesh vests NABA makes for the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York city, state Department of Transportation, state police and other government agencies represented almost all of the nonprofit’s manufacturing income.
In February 2008, NABA expanded its product line. It started partnering with MPE Inc. in Indiana, a uniform manufacturer, to recycle more than 100,000 Tyvek laboratory cleanroom suits a year. NABA customizes the recycled coveralls for Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia and the Long Island Railroad. Their employees wear the suits to paint and clean ships and railroad cars.
Also last year, NABA forged a partnership with Standard Mfg. Co. in Troy, an 85-year-old business that makes uniforms and clothing for 15,000 government agencies, military branches and private companies. The family-owned company employs 75 to 80 people.
For the first time since it opened in 1958, NABA’s factory is making money. Its 3 percent profit margin this year will equate to between $108,000 to $120,000 for programs that aid the 400 blind adults who use the nonprofit’s services.
But more importantly, Burke says, are the jobs the factory provides for blind people who otherwise would be chronically unemployed, on permanent disability and supported with taxpayer dollars. Only 30 percent of blind people of working age are employed, according to the American Foundation for the Blind in New York City. Read more here.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Nonprofit Policy News
The National Council of Nonprofits provided the following Nonprofit Policy News for April.
President signs Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
On April 21, President Obama signed into law the Serve America Act (PL 11-013) (HR 1388), a milestone for the national service movement and the largest expansion of civilian service since the Depression. It will dramatically expand national and community service programs and strengthen the infrastructure for volunteerism within the nonprofit community. It includes the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program championed by the National Council of Nonprofits and Senators Baucus (MT-D) and Grassley (IA-R). In his signing address, President Obama said: "We need your service, right now, at this moment in history." Read more.
Federal Legislative and Regulatory Developments
"Sense of the Senate" Expressed on Charitable Deductions
During debate on the Serve America Act, the Senate included Senator Baucus' (MT-D) "sense of the Senate" amendment expressing support for preserving the tax deductibility of charitable contributions and for "additional ways to encourage charitable giving." Learn more about the Senate action. For more information, analysis, and commentary about the controversy visit our website and read our Special Report.
With Budget Resolution, Congress Re-opens Debate on Estate Tax and Healthcare Reform Process
The House and Senate passed their differing FY 2010 budget resolutions before the April recess and are now actively in conference to reconcile the two. Read more.
Tax Certainty and Relief Act of 2009 (S 722) Introduced
It's all about "certainty in uncertain times." Elements of the proposal include: permanent protection for more than 20 million Americans from the alternative minimum tax; a measure to make permanent the 10, 25, and 28 percent individual tax rates; permanence of the income eligibility threshold for the child tax credit; and permanence of the estate tax at levels already in effect this year. Read more about the bill.
Representative McDermott (WA-D) Introduces Estate Tax Bill
The Sensible Estate Tax Act of 2009 (HR 2023) would strengthen the estate tax beyond the current 2009 levels and beyond what President Obama has proposed. Read more.
Senators Introduce Flat Rate Excise Tax for Private Foundations
Senators Schumer (NY-D), Levin (MI-D), and Stabenow (MI-D) introduced legislation (S 676) that would simplify the tax code for private foundations to increase charitable giving. The bill would remove the current two-tiered excise tax imposed on private foundations and replace it with one flat rate, which is to be set between 1 and 2 percent. Read more.
Newspaper Revitalization Act Would Allow Newspapers To Operate As Nonprofits
The Act (S 673) proposes 501(c)(3) educational newspapers and would make tax-exempt all advertising and subscription revenue, while making contributions tax deductible for qualified newspaper corporations. Read more.
Unfunded Federal Mandate on Residential Programs for Teens Passed in House
The House passed its version of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 (HR 911), which now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would set minimum standards for covered nonprofit programs that include residential wilderness or outdoor experiences, expeditions or interventions; boot camp experiences; therapeutic boarding schools; or behavioral modification programs. Read more.
Census Bureau To Conduct Minority Outreach Program for 2010 Count
To ensure the most accurate census ever, the Census Bureau plans a new minority outreach effort to help target historically hard-to-reach communities for the 2010 census. Read more on our website or the full GAO report.
President signs Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
On April 21, President Obama signed into law the Serve America Act (PL 11-013) (HR 1388), a milestone for the national service movement and the largest expansion of civilian service since the Depression. It will dramatically expand national and community service programs and strengthen the infrastructure for volunteerism within the nonprofit community. It includes the Nonprofit Capacity Building Program championed by the National Council of Nonprofits and Senators Baucus (MT-D) and Grassley (IA-R). In his signing address, President Obama said: "We need your service, right now, at this moment in history." Read more.
Federal Legislative and Regulatory Developments
"Sense of the Senate" Expressed on Charitable Deductions
During debate on the Serve America Act, the Senate included Senator Baucus' (MT-D) "sense of the Senate" amendment expressing support for preserving the tax deductibility of charitable contributions and for "additional ways to encourage charitable giving." Learn more about the Senate action. For more information, analysis, and commentary about the controversy visit our website and read our Special Report.
With Budget Resolution, Congress Re-opens Debate on Estate Tax and Healthcare Reform Process
The House and Senate passed their differing FY 2010 budget resolutions before the April recess and are now actively in conference to reconcile the two. Read more.
Tax Certainty and Relief Act of 2009 (S 722) Introduced
It's all about "certainty in uncertain times." Elements of the proposal include: permanent protection for more than 20 million Americans from the alternative minimum tax; a measure to make permanent the 10, 25, and 28 percent individual tax rates; permanence of the income eligibility threshold for the child tax credit; and permanence of the estate tax at levels already in effect this year. Read more about the bill.
Representative McDermott (WA-D) Introduces Estate Tax Bill
The Sensible Estate Tax Act of 2009 (HR 2023) would strengthen the estate tax beyond the current 2009 levels and beyond what President Obama has proposed. Read more.
Senators Introduce Flat Rate Excise Tax for Private Foundations
Senators Schumer (NY-D), Levin (MI-D), and Stabenow (MI-D) introduced legislation (S 676) that would simplify the tax code for private foundations to increase charitable giving. The bill would remove the current two-tiered excise tax imposed on private foundations and replace it with one flat rate, which is to be set between 1 and 2 percent. Read more.
Newspaper Revitalization Act Would Allow Newspapers To Operate As Nonprofits
The Act (S 673) proposes 501(c)(3) educational newspapers and would make tax-exempt all advertising and subscription revenue, while making contributions tax deductible for qualified newspaper corporations. Read more.
Unfunded Federal Mandate on Residential Programs for Teens Passed in House
The House passed its version of the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act of 2009 (HR 911), which now moves to the Senate for consideration. It would set minimum standards for covered nonprofit programs that include residential wilderness or outdoor experiences, expeditions or interventions; boot camp experiences; therapeutic boarding schools; or behavioral modification programs. Read more.
Census Bureau To Conduct Minority Outreach Program for 2010 Count
To ensure the most accurate census ever, the Census Bureau plans a new minority outreach effort to help target historically hard-to-reach communities for the 2010 census. Read more on our website or the full GAO report.
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