(WASHINGTON, March 16, 2017) — The following is a statement by Daniel J. Cardinali, president and CEO, Independent Sector:
“Independent Sector, the leading voice of the charitable community in the United States, is gravely concerned about the budget blueprint sent to Congress by the Trump Administration.
The Administration’s opening budget proposal, while non-binding, is at odds with our recently- adopted Statement of Beliefs Regarding Federal Tax and Spending Policies. Using this framework as a lens to assess the Administration’s budget, we find the deep cuts proposed to non-defense discretionary programs threaten the vitality of the charitable sector’s enduring partnership with the federal government.
More importantly, the blueprint seeks to strengthen other Administration priorities at the expense of agencies and programs that help communities address the needs of the diverse makeup of their constituencies — from celebrating cultural achievements to offering critical, life-sustaining support.
We believe that societies thrive when all people have an opportunity to prosper and succeed, and it is therefore vital that national investment and spending policies prioritize programs that are demonstrating their promise and effectiveness in increasing economic mobility and enriching the lives of all Americans. As spending debates move forward and difficult decisions about spending cuts are made, we urge policymakers to strive for and shape fiscal priorities that recognize the inherent value of all individuals, families and communities, and the institutions that work with them to build their potential as agents of positive change and renewal in our nation.
We stand ready to work in deep partnership with both the Administration and Congress to achieve that goal for the American people.”
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Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations, and corporations to advance the common good. Learn more at independentsector.org.
