2021 Public Policy

COVID-19 Advocacy/Policy

• Advocate for federal, state and local COVID relief programs that are accessible for all nonprofits and treat nonprofits equitably with for-profit businesses.

• Support federal relief for state and local governments so that partnerships with nonprofits to deliver services impacting citizens and community quality of life can continue effectively.

Tax policy that empowers community solutions through nonprofits:

• Support expanded, enhanced and new tax and other incentives for individuals and businesses, including a universal non-itemizer charitable giving tax deduction, at the federal and state level to encourage individuals to give generously to the work of charitable nonprofits. Actively oppose floors, caps or limits on existing incentives that would harm the sector’s ability to leverage philanthropic support.

• Oppose the imposition of fees, payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) and other taxes and fees on tax-exempt nonprofit organizations.

• Maintain and – where appropriate – expand nonprofit exemptions from paying state and local property, sales and use taxes and from collecting sales and use taxes.  

Unemployment relief for nonprofits:

• Advocate for 100% coverage of all COVID-19 related unemployment insurance claims for self-insured/reimbursing nonprofits employers and extension of this coverage in 2021.

• Advocate for federal relief for the state unemployment insurance trust fund, impacting thousands of nonprofit employers contributing to the fund.

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Nonprofit advocacy rights and civic engagement: 

• Preserve the integrity of charitable nonprofits by supporting the tax-law ban on electioneering and partisan political activities.

• Oppose restrictions on the advocacy rights of charitable nonprofits.

• Support legislation that makes it easier for Kentuckians to vote.​

Public-private collaboration for the public good: Promote and support executive action or legislation that address systemic problems with nonprofit-government contracting, including streamlining contracts and contracts paying for the full cost of services (outlined in the final recommendation of the Government Contracting Task Force, 11/15/16).

Budgeting and spending to address community needs: Advocate for thoughtful state budget decisions and tax reform that encourage solutions that promote fiscal stability and growth, while ensuring that the work of nonprofits on behalf of the communities and people they serve is sustained and protected.

Nonprofit effectiveness and independence: Oppose policies or legislation that impose increased costs, burdens, barriers, limitations or liabilities on nonprofits – negatively impacting their ability to effectively accomplish their core mission.