(WASHINGTON, February 12, 2018) – The following statement is from Daniel J. Cardinali, president and CEO of Independent Sector:
“The fiscal year 2019 budget proposal released by the Trump Administration today undermines the enduring partnership between the federal government and the nonprofit sector, endangering the capacity of both to serve individuals and communities.
While non-binding, the president’s budget is again at odds with our Statement of Beliefs Regarding Federal Tax and Spending Policies. Cuts proposed to critical non-defense programs would negatively impact the work of nonprofit organizations across the country that combine these resources with other government and private investments to strengthen civil society and uplift communities.
This budget takes for granted the importance of our societal institutions and the key roles programs and agencies play in our communities. For example, the proposal eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service, which encourages individuals to give back to their communities through service. It weakens and eliminates vital social services, block grants, and endowments, which support the arts and humanities, stimulate innovation, create economic growth, and emphasize cultural diversity.
Language included in the budget further illustrates policymakers’ fundamental misunderstanding of roles and responsibilities of our country’s nonprofits in relation to government. For example, the budget states that nonprofits need to find other ways to financially support essential services, without acknowledging that the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may undermine organizations’ ability to raise private resources to make up for federal spending cuts.
We urge the Administration and policymakers to work toward fiscal policies that lift up the inherent value of all individuals, families, and communities.”
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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.
Contact:
Kristina Gawrgy Campbell
202-467-6144
kristinac@independentsector.org
