National Issues

How to contact your US Legislators

American Alliance of Museums Advocacy Alerts
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ACTION: Ask your US Representative to sign-on to the Dear Colleague Letter to the House Appropriations Committee for National Archives funding
https://historycoalition.org/2021/04/15/tell-the-house-to-support-increased-fy22-funding-for-the-national-archives-and-nhprc/
The National History Coalition (NHC) is requesting the House Appropriations Committee to provide at least $433 million for National Archives and Records Administration's operating expenses in FY22 and at least $13 million for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.  NARA’s operating expenses budget in constant dollars has remained stagnant for over a decade, even as its responsibilities have increased.  Send a pre-written letter directly to your US Representatives urging them to show their support for this funding through the NHC website. [April]

ACTION: Endorse the Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act (S. 618 and H.R. 1704)
https://charitablegivingcoalition.org/2021/04/nonprofits-support-the-universal-giving-pandemic-response-and-recovery-act-urge-inclusion-in-next-tax-package/
Join the more than 400 charitable nonprofits that have signed onto a statement created by the Charitable Giving Coalition, urging Congress to include the bipartisan Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act (S. 618 and H.R. 1704), in the next COVID-19 relief/recovery package or tax package.   This bill will extend and expand the universal charitable deduction created in 2020 to allow tax payers to take a $300 deduction whether or not they itemized. [April]

ACTION: Ask your U.S. Representative and Senators to join the Congressional America 250 Caucus
https://www.america250.org/about/congressional-caucus  
The Congressional America 250 is a forum for lawmakers to share their interest in planning for the country’s 250th anniversary. The bipartisan caucus will be a valuable resource for lawmakers and Congressional staff over the next few years. [March]

ACTION: Ask your U.S. Representative and Senators to Co-Sponsor the the WORK NOW Act (S. 740 and H.R. 1987) https://www.thenonprofittimes.com/regulation/senate-bill-would-provide-for-50-billion-in-npo-aid/ 
The Work Opportunities and Resources to Keep Nonprofit Organizations Well Act, (S. 740 and H.R. 1987), was introduced in March by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative Linda Sanchez (D-CA). If enacted, the new program would provide grants to help nonprofit organizations retain their employees, scale their service delivery, and provide unemployed people with new jobs serving their communities. [April]

State Issues

How to contact your Arizona Legislators

Arizona Citizens for the Arts Advocacy Network  
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UPDATE: Funding for the State Parks Heritage Fund
SB1384 was amended in the House Appropriations Committee ($3 million FY2022/23; $4 million FY2023/24, and $5 million FY2024/25 and thereafter) while HB2127 passed the House and Senate with the full $10 million one-time ask.   Both bills have strong bipartisan support and are waiting to be heard in Rules and then will sent to the Governor as part of the budget process. [April]

UPDATE: Funding for the Arizona Arts Commission
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed House Bill2755, calling for  a $5,000,000 appropriation to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for Fiscal Year 2022.   While the passage of this bill does not guarantee funds will be included in the State’s FY2022 budget, it is a powerful vote of support from Arizona’s elected leaders. A $5 million appropriation would be the state’s most substantial investment in the arts since before the great recession. [April]

UPDATE: Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Reauthorized
HB2058, the Bill for the continuation of ASLAPR through July 1, 2029, has been signed by the Governor and will continue to include the Arizona State Capitol as part of the division. [April]

UPDATE: Charitable Contribution Deduction
Under current law, an Arizona taxpayer can take an “above-the-line” deduction for their charitable giving. The charitable deduction is capped at 25% of the charitable giving. HB 2113  increases the 25% cap by inflation annually, not to exceed 100%.  The bill passed the House, but is now waiting in the Senate for the overall budget debate. [April]