Public Policy Update - July 2022
Each month, Philanthropy Southeast provides members with monthly updates on the latest public policy developments in Washington and state capitols around the region, analyzing their possible impact on the charitable sector. If you would like to see an issue featured in a future Public Policy Update, contact Jaci Bertrand, Philanthropy Southeast's vice president of member engagement, at jaci@philanthropysoutheast.org.
Democrats Hope to Move Ahead with Scaled-Back Version of ‘Build Back Better’
Last year, congressional Democrats and the Biden administration spent several months hoping to pass an ambitious package of proposals, known as Build Back Better, that would have represented a significant expansion of social safety net programs.
Those plans fell apart when two Senate Democrats, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Krysten Sinema of Arizona, objected to the plan due to its scope and proposed tax increases. In the evenly divided Senate, Democrats needed the support of every member of their caucus to pass the bill via the reconciliation process, which forbids the use of the filibuster.
Months later, hopes of passing a slimmed-down package are on the rise. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Manchin have been negotiating on a package that may include proposals on prescription drug pricing, climate change and tax revisions. So far, none of the tax proposals reportedly under consideration would directly affect foundations or donor-advised funds.
If Democrats can agree on a legislative package, party leaders hope to hold a Senate vote on it before the August recess, though that deadline could slip into September.
We will monitor whatever legislation emerges from the ongoing negotiations, particularly any provisions that affect the communities and people philanthropy serves.
Public Policy at the Annual Meeting
Philanthropy Southeast’s 2022 Annual Meeting will take place November 9-11 – only a few days after this year’s midterm elections. Attendees in Amelia Island, Florida, and online will have the opportunity to attend a session analyzing the results of the elections and possible consequences for philanthropy’s policy priorities.
On Friday, November 11, at 9:45am, Annual Meeting attendees can join a post-election session featuring Sandra Swirski, founder of Integer and one of Washington’s leading experts on public policy and philanthropy.
The session is only one of the many reasons to attend this year’s Annual Meeting – you can view the full agenda online or register today!
