A blog post by Robin Mockenhaupt, VFN's Director, Policy & Advocacy
Virginia, It’s Time to Vote
The Virginia State primary election will be held in two weeks on Tuesday, June 17. Virginia is one of two states (the other being New Jersey) that holds “off year” elections. This election will determine who will be on the ballot in our November elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Information about the upcoming elections can be found at the Virginia Department of Elections website. The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) provides resources on the elections, candidates, district maps, and campaign donations. To find out who is on the ballot, where to vote, and additional information, click here. On Election night, visit https://www.vpap.org for live primary election results.
Federal Update
The US Senate returned from recess on Monday, June 2 to begin working on tax legislation recently passed by the US House of Representatives. Senate leaders are targeting a July 4th deadline for passage of the legislation, but there are many issues to resolve prior to a vote, including the size of the tax cuts and US debt, the proposed cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and reductions in clean energy funding. The bill will likely be changed before it is voted on by the Senate. After the Senate vote, the bill must be reconciled in negotiations between the two chambers. The measure then must go before the House and Senate one more time for final approval before President Trump can sign it into law.
In recent VFN newsletters, we’ve highlighted the potentially significant impacts of the House legislation on the charitable sector. The main financial impacts on funders will be increased taxes on private foundations. In Virginia, the impacts of the increase on private foundations is significant, totaling up to $14,038,664.68. This means less capital for grant making and direct charitable activities. Another proposed philanthropic impact would be on corporate funders, who could only deduct charitable contributions exceeding 1% of taxable income. The changes could significantly decrease corporate philanthropy, especially small businesses. The Independent Sector has a summary of the House passed bill’s other provisions that would affect the charitable sector. The Council on Foundations, the United Philanthropy Forum, the National Council of Nonprofits, and the Independent Sector, have created a sign-on letter to call on the Senate to remove the provisions harmful to philanthropy and nonprofits. You can access and sign the letter here.
During June, it will be important to contact our two Virginia Senators, Sen. Mark Warner (202-224-2023) and Sen. Tim Kaine (202-224-4024) to express your opinions about the Senate discussions of the tax bill.