The Daily Star reported that doors to area Planned Parenthood offices could close under pending legislation that would cut federal funding, an executive with the local office said Monday.
Debra Marcus, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of South Central New York, said local services for family planning and health care would be lost if the Pence Amendment, which is part of a continuing appropriations resolution, is passed by the Senate. And local staff could lose their jobs, she said.
Under an amendment sponsored by Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. would be prohibited. The amendment and a funding resolution including it passed in the House of Representatives last week.
The cuts would be devastating, Marcus said. The impact will hurt the working poor and others without private health care insurance who can least afford to be without services offered by Planned Parenthood, she said.
"All we'd be doing is pulling the safety net out from these people," Marcus said. When people lose health care services, they also can lose their jobs, she said.
But the pro-life contingent of the U.S. population has increased, and it's time to "defund Planned Parenthood," Jean Jones of Afton said Wednesday.
The good services that Planned Parenthood provides don't make up for its practices in connection with abortions and finding ways to avoid reporting rape cases, Jones said Wednesday.
Marcus said more than 10,000 men, women and teenagers seek services at Planned Parenthood offices in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Broome counties, and of those, 50 percent are Medicaid recipients.
The budget for the local Planned Parenthood unit is about $3.5 million annually, of which about $1.25 million is federal money in the Title X program and in Medicaid, she said.
Planned Parenthood of South Central New York has about 50 employees and offices in Oneonta, Sidney, Norwich, Walton and Binghamton, Marcus said, and if half the unit's funding were lost, "we could not keep our doors open."
Read more here.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Space for Lease at Cornell Cooperative Extension
Dear colleagues,
As you may know, USDA is moving to a new service center. Consequently, Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie County has 3,250 sq. ft of space for lease at the Extension Center on South Grand Street, Cobleskill. The space can be divided and modified. If your agency is looking for additional space and would like to learn more, please contact me. We initially would like to offer the space to non-profits and governmental agencies. Thank you.
Don R. Smyers, Executive Director
drs269@cornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie County
173 South Grand Street
Cobleskill, NY 12043
518-234-4303 extension 116; fax 518-234-4305
Cornell Cooperative Extension Otsego County
123 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326-0121
607-547-2536 extension 233; fax 607-547-5180
As you may know, USDA is moving to a new service center. Consequently, Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie County has 3,250 sq. ft of space for lease at the Extension Center on South Grand Street, Cobleskill. The space can be divided and modified. If your agency is looking for additional space and would like to learn more, please contact me. We initially would like to offer the space to non-profits and governmental agencies. Thank you.
Don R. Smyers, Executive Director
drs269@cornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie County
173 South Grand Street
Cobleskill, NY 12043
518-234-4303 extension 116; fax 518-234-4305
Cornell Cooperative Extension Otsego County
123 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326-0121
607-547-2536 extension 233; fax 607-547-5180
Friday, February 18, 2011
2nd summit focuses on task force, goals
The Daily Star reported that a festival, calendars and media promotions could help Oneonta develop its arts and entertainment sector, participants at a summit said Thursday night.
Members of the newly formed Oneonta Arts and Entertainment Task Force and other supporters of local cultural organizations were among about 60 people at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center.
Mayor Dick Miller convened the Mayor's Arts and Entertainment Summit No. 2 to review an organizational plan for the task force and its goals. The panel exists to "coordinate, enhance, facilitate, communicate, translate, represent, include, initiate and implement" ideas, resources, programs, educational activities and other missions, he said.
The task force is designed to be inclusive of artists, arts and cultural organizations and is not intended "to direct," he said.
Read more here.
Members of the newly formed Oneonta Arts and Entertainment Task Force and other supporters of local cultural organizations were among about 60 people at the Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center.
Mayor Dick Miller convened the Mayor's Arts and Entertainment Summit No. 2 to review an organizational plan for the task force and its goals. The panel exists to "coordinate, enhance, facilitate, communicate, translate, represent, include, initiate and implement" ideas, resources, programs, educational activities and other missions, he said.
The task force is designed to be inclusive of artists, arts and cultural organizations and is not intended "to direct," he said.
Read more here.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Arts Impacts
A Chenango County organization has been tapped by a national agency for nonprofit research. The Chenango County Council of the Arts is now partnering with Americans for the Arts.
Every few years, the national agency does a study on arts and economic prosperity and the connection between the two.
It will examine the spending habits of people who come to cultural events and how they spend their money in the region.
"Also, tracking the spending habits of those cultural organizations as well," said Victoria Calvert-Kappel, Chenango County Council of the Arts. "We think about people coming and spending money on dinner or parking or whatever, but you also have to think about how every cultural organization is a business."
"It's going to be great for municipalities to be able to say, you know, this is a wonderful way to gauge economic impact maybe we never realized before, the big impact of the arts on our local economy, and let's foster that a little more," Calvert-Kappel said.
The study will be conducted over a twelve-month period. The Chenango County Council is one of two hundred groups across the country which will participate in the study.
Original article located here.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Spring Conference on Autism March 24th in Oneonta
Integrated Self Advocacy
Supporting the Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Family Resource Network, Inc. is pleased to present a conference devoted to self-advocacy and fostering autonomy for individuals with Autism.
Conference Overview:
It takes a village to support the emerging self advocate with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Developing an integrated program that includes parents, therapists, teachers, administrators, case managers and support providers gives individuals with autism tools for a lifetime. The Integrated Self Advocacy (ISA) curriculum provides comprehensive training and support in initiating and formalizing a self-advocacy program, as it fosters ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders.
The fundamentals of self-advocacy will be introduced, followed by details on how to create, implement and adapt a self-advocacy curriculum, identify self-advocacy goals and develop focused, original lesson plans and goals for individuals with an ASD.
Participants will learn how to integrate these goals within an IEP or ISP and how to create an individualized, goal oriented transition plan. Conference attendees will also learn how to adapt the ISA curriculum to reach non-verbal students and other disability groups.
Participants will Learn:
* The fundamentals of self-advocacy.
* The significance of supporting the emerging self-advocate with autism and other cognitive, developmental, sensory or social differences.
* Real world transition plans and advocacy goals.
* How to create a curriculum that encourages greater autonomy, self- regulation, decision-making and problem solving.
* How to encourage productive growth in talent and interest areas.
Conference material is designed for both parents and professionals.
Information will be applicable to pre-school and school-aged students.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. develops educational programs and curricula that support children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other social, cognitive and sensory differences. She is the creator of The Integrated Self-Advocacy (ISA) curriculum and training series for educators and therapists who wish to support individuals with ASDs and related conditions in achieving greater ability in self-advocacy.
Valerie's memoir, Elijah's Cup, is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autisitic son, their involvement together in the advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Paradiz has been featured in The New York Times, Redbook Magazine, The Guardian and on National Public Radio.
Valerie speaks nationally and internationally on parenting strategies, initiating and enhancing programs for individuals with ASD'S and strengthening advocacy skills and fostering emerging talents and focused interests.
Valerie is a member of the national board of directors of the National Autism Society. She is also a member of the Institute for Cognitive Diversity at Bank Street College. She serves as an advisor to the US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA), Pace University's Center for Teaching and Research in Autism (TARA) and is on the editorial board of The Autism File Magazine.
Conference Details
2011 Spring Conference on Autism
March 24, 2011
Featuring Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.
The Holiday Inn Oneonta
5206 State Highway 23
Oneonta, NY
Agenda:
8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 12:00 Morning Session
12:00 - 1:00 lunch on your own
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon Session
Sponsored by the following:
The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Registration Details:
Registration fee for all professionals is $50.00.
Checks may be made payable to Family Resource Network.
We will also accept school or agency purchase orders.
Fee for College or University students is $25.00.
Parents or Guardians and Individuals with Autism attend FREE of charge.
Registration Deadline is
March 15, 2011
No phone registrations please
To register on-line go to
http://www.familyrn.org/news_events/conferences.html
OR
Send an EMAIL to:
register@familyrn.org
Please include "2011 Spring CoA" on the subject line and include contact information and payment method - if necessary
OR
By FAX send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
You may fax purchase orders/school vouchers and registration forms to 607-432-5516
OR
By MAIL send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address to:
The Family Resource Network, Inc.
46 Oneida Street
Oneonta, NY 13820
Supporting the Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Family Resource Network, Inc. is pleased to present a conference devoted to self-advocacy and fostering autonomy for individuals with Autism.
Conference Overview:
It takes a village to support the emerging self advocate with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Developing an integrated program that includes parents, therapists, teachers, administrators, case managers and support providers gives individuals with autism tools for a lifetime. The Integrated Self Advocacy (ISA) curriculum provides comprehensive training and support in initiating and formalizing a self-advocacy program, as it fosters ongoing collaboration among all stakeholders.
The fundamentals of self-advocacy will be introduced, followed by details on how to create, implement and adapt a self-advocacy curriculum, identify self-advocacy goals and develop focused, original lesson plans and goals for individuals with an ASD.
Participants will learn how to integrate these goals within an IEP or ISP and how to create an individualized, goal oriented transition plan. Conference attendees will also learn how to adapt the ISA curriculum to reach non-verbal students and other disability groups.
Participants will Learn:
* The fundamentals of self-advocacy.
* The significance of supporting the emerging self-advocate with autism and other cognitive, developmental, sensory or social differences.
* Real world transition plans and advocacy goals.
* How to create a curriculum that encourages greater autonomy, self- regulation, decision-making and problem solving.
* How to encourage productive growth in talent and interest areas.
Conference material is designed for both parents and professionals.
Information will be applicable to pre-school and school-aged students.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D. develops educational programs and curricula that support children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other social, cognitive and sensory differences. She is the creator of The Integrated Self-Advocacy (ISA) curriculum and training series for educators and therapists who wish to support individuals with ASDs and related conditions in achieving greater ability in self-advocacy.
Valerie's memoir, Elijah's Cup, is the compelling story of the author's experiences raising her autisitic son, their involvement together in the advocacy community, and her own ultimate diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. Dr. Paradiz has been featured in The New York Times, Redbook Magazine, The Guardian and on National Public Radio.
Valerie speaks nationally and internationally on parenting strategies, initiating and enhancing programs for individuals with ASD'S and strengthening advocacy skills and fostering emerging talents and focused interests.
Valerie is a member of the national board of directors of the National Autism Society. She is also a member of the Institute for Cognitive Diversity at Bank Street College. She serves as an advisor to the US Autism & Asperger Association (USAAA), Pace University's Center for Teaching and Research in Autism (TARA) and is on the editorial board of The Autism File Magazine.
Conference Details
2011 Spring Conference on Autism
March 24, 2011
Featuring Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.
The Holiday Inn Oneonta
5206 State Highway 23
Oneonta, NY
Agenda:
8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 12:00 Morning Session
12:00 - 1:00 lunch on your own
1:00 - 3:00 Afternoon Session
Sponsored by the following:
The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Registration Details:
Registration fee for all professionals is $50.00.
Checks may be made payable to Family Resource Network.
We will also accept school or agency purchase orders.
Fee for College or University students is $25.00.
Parents or Guardians and Individuals with Autism attend FREE of charge.
Registration Deadline is
March 15, 2011
No phone registrations please
To register on-line go to
http://www.familyrn.org/news_events/conferences.html
OR
Send an EMAIL to:
register@familyrn.org
Please include "2011 Spring CoA" on the subject line and include contact information and payment method - if necessary
OR
By FAX send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address.
You may fax purchase orders/school vouchers and registration forms to 607-432-5516
OR
By MAIL send
contact information including name, address, phone number and e-mail address to:
The Family Resource Network, Inc.
46 Oneida Street
Oneonta, NY 13820
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Job Opening: Recovery Care Manager, FOR-DO, Oneonta, NY
FOR-DO, an addiction recovery community organization, is hiring a Recovery Care Manager to oversee the Access to Recovery Project, a federally funded grant program.
Duties Include:
· Screening and assessment for substance abuse disorders
· Determining client eligibility for services
· Referrals to local services and follow-up care
Candidates must be a QHP as defined by NYS OASAS such as a CASAC, LCSW, LMSW or similar credential/licensure
Send resume with cover letter to:
FOR-DO, 22 Elm St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or execdirfordo@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Position Opening: Recovery Care Manager at FOR-DO
FOR-DO, an addiction recovery community organization, is hiring a Recovery Care Manager to oversee the Access to Recovery Project, a federally funded grant program.
Duties Include:
• Screening and assessment for substance abuse disorders
• Determining client eligibility for services
• Referrals to local services and follow-up care
Candidates must be a QHP as defined by NYS OASAS such as a CASAC, LCSW, LMSW or similar credential/licensure
Send resume with cover letter to:
FOR-DO, 22 Elm St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or execdirfordo@hotmail.com
http://friendsofrecoverydo.org/
Duties Include:
• Screening and assessment for substance abuse disorders
• Determining client eligibility for services
• Referrals to local services and follow-up care
Candidates must be a QHP as defined by NYS OASAS such as a CASAC, LCSW, LMSW or similar credential/licensure
Send resume with cover letter to:
FOR-DO, 22 Elm St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or execdirfordo@hotmail.com
http://friendsofrecoverydo.org/
JSEC Facilitating Professional Human Resources Study Group and Learning Systems
Greetings,
Otsego/Delaware and Chenango JSECs are interested in assisting local HR Professionals in obtaining the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. We are facilitating the start of a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification Study Group and providing information about the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Learning System. We need your help in starting the Study Group. To help please complete the survey below and return it to alan.sessions@labor.ny.gov
SHRM Study Group Survey:
1. Are you interested in participating in a SHRM Study Group?
2. What days of the week and/or times of the day are you available for participating in a Study Group?
3. How often are you willing to meet?
4. Are you available to meet on weekends?
5. Would you or your employer be interested in purchasing a SHRM Learning System at an estimated cost of $500? (more details will be available soon)
6. What support do you expect from your employer? (i.e. Reimbursement of SHRM Membership, Exam Fees, purchase of Learning System, Time Off for Study Group)
7. Can you participate in a Study Group that met in Norwich? If not, Oneonta or Sidney?
8. Please provide your contact information.
Thank you!
We have been very fortunate to have Kim Parker, SPHR, volunteer to facilitate the study group. Kim Parker has her SPHR, and is the Human Resources Strategy & Programs Manager for The Raymond Corporation. Below is general information about the PHR Certification. The Study Group is also being co-sponsored by The Raymond Corporation, CDO Workforce, and Morrisville State College.
Reminder about upcoming JSEC meetings: Otsego/Delaware JSEC Meeting, Thursday (tomorrow), February 3, 2011, 8:30am, CDO Workforce Center, 12 Dietz St., in Oneonta AND Chenango JSEC Meeting, Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 9am, CDO Workforce Center, 1 O’Hara Dr., in Norwich.
Alan Sessions, Business Services Rep.
Dept. of Labor & CDO Workforce
12 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY 13820
607-432-4800, Ext. 103
alan.sessions@labor.ny.gov
Why Earn Your PHR/SPHR Certification
Now is the time to boost your career, strengthen your department and help your organization grow. The Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) certification is more than a suffix, it will help:
• Ensure that your knowledge of HR topics and legislation is current and help protect your organization from risk.
• Provide you with the opportunity to join companies that are requiring certification for their employees.
• Demonstrate you have mastered the HR body of knowledge.
PHR/SPHR Requirements
To qualify for PHR or SPHR certification, applicant must meet the following requirements:
PHR eligibility requirements – four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree; two years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or one year of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher.
SPHR eligibility requirements – seven years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree; five years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher.
SHRM Learning System – PHR/SPHR Preparation
The SHRM Learning System provides the most effective PHR/SPHR training program because of the advanced learning techniques it delivers. The system uses printed workbooks and web-based study tools to teach you everything you need to know to prepare for your certification exam. The newly updated content reflects the HR Certification Institute body of knowledge and the needs of today’s HR professionals. The six modules will provide you with everything you need to achieve results.
Module 1: Strategic Business Management
Module 2: Workforce Planning and Employment
Module 3: Human Resource Development
Module 4: Total Rewards
Module 5: Employee and Labor Relations
Module 6: Risk Management
Exam Information:
PHR/SPHR Spring Exam Window – 5/1/11 – 6/30/11
Applications Accepted – 1/10/11 – 3/11/11
PHR Exam Fee - $300, $250 if SHRM Member
SPHR Exam Fee - $425, $375 if SHRM Member
Late Applications Accepted 3/12/11 – 4/15/11 ($50 non-refundable late fee applies)
Otsego/Delaware and Chenango JSECs are interested in assisting local HR Professionals in obtaining the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. We are facilitating the start of a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification Study Group and providing information about the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Learning System. We need your help in starting the Study Group. To help please complete the survey below and return it to alan.sessions@labor.ny.gov
SHRM Study Group Survey:
1. Are you interested in participating in a SHRM Study Group?
2. What days of the week and/or times of the day are you available for participating in a Study Group?
3. How often are you willing to meet?
4. Are you available to meet on weekends?
5. Would you or your employer be interested in purchasing a SHRM Learning System at an estimated cost of $500? (more details will be available soon)
6. What support do you expect from your employer? (i.e. Reimbursement of SHRM Membership, Exam Fees, purchase of Learning System, Time Off for Study Group)
7. Can you participate in a Study Group that met in Norwich? If not, Oneonta or Sidney?
8. Please provide your contact information.
Thank you!
We have been very fortunate to have Kim Parker, SPHR, volunteer to facilitate the study group. Kim Parker has her SPHR, and is the Human Resources Strategy & Programs Manager for The Raymond Corporation. Below is general information about the PHR Certification. The Study Group is also being co-sponsored by The Raymond Corporation, CDO Workforce, and Morrisville State College.
Reminder about upcoming JSEC meetings: Otsego/Delaware JSEC Meeting, Thursday (tomorrow), February 3, 2011, 8:30am, CDO Workforce Center, 12 Dietz St., in Oneonta AND Chenango JSEC Meeting, Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 9am, CDO Workforce Center, 1 O’Hara Dr., in Norwich.
Alan Sessions, Business Services Rep.
Dept. of Labor & CDO Workforce
12 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY 13820
607-432-4800, Ext. 103
alan.sessions@labor.ny.gov
Why Earn Your PHR/SPHR Certification
Now is the time to boost your career, strengthen your department and help your organization grow. The Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) certification is more than a suffix, it will help:
• Ensure that your knowledge of HR topics and legislation is current and help protect your organization from risk.
• Provide you with the opportunity to join companies that are requiring certification for their employees.
• Demonstrate you have mastered the HR body of knowledge.
PHR/SPHR Requirements
To qualify for PHR or SPHR certification, applicant must meet the following requirements:
PHR eligibility requirements – four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree; two years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or one year of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher.
SPHR eligibility requirements – seven years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree; five years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or four years of demonstrated exempt-level HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher.
SHRM Learning System – PHR/SPHR Preparation
The SHRM Learning System provides the most effective PHR/SPHR training program because of the advanced learning techniques it delivers. The system uses printed workbooks and web-based study tools to teach you everything you need to know to prepare for your certification exam. The newly updated content reflects the HR Certification Institute body of knowledge and the needs of today’s HR professionals. The six modules will provide you with everything you need to achieve results.
Module 1: Strategic Business Management
Module 2: Workforce Planning and Employment
Module 3: Human Resource Development
Module 4: Total Rewards
Module 5: Employee and Labor Relations
Module 6: Risk Management
Exam Information:
PHR/SPHR Spring Exam Window – 5/1/11 – 6/30/11
Applications Accepted – 1/10/11 – 3/11/11
PHR Exam Fee - $300, $250 if SHRM Member
SPHR Exam Fee - $425, $375 if SHRM Member
Late Applications Accepted 3/12/11 – 4/15/11 ($50 non-refundable late fee applies)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Spending Cuts, Filing Information, and More from Nonprofit Advocacy Matters
Cuts, Cuts and more Cuts
The National Council of Nonprofits reported in their newsletter, "Nonprofit Advocacy Matters", that Spending cuts were the consistent theme throughout Washington last week as the President, during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, called for a five-year freeze in non-defense discretionary spending. Also on Tuesday, the House adopted a resolution capping spending for the current fiscal year at or below the levels provided in fiscal 2008. This limit is expected to produce budget cuts this year of $55 billion to $60 billion. In addition, the recommendations of the Republican Study Committee to cut $2.5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years were incorporated in the proposed Spending Reduction Act. Among many items, that bill would block spending for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and for national service programs. The legislation is not expected to be brought up in the House, but it does provide a roadmap for the areas that are being targeted for reductions in the future.
Federal Regulations and Job Creation
Federal regulations are frequently criticized for frustrating job creation, and the President and House Republicans are taking steps to identify key problem areas. On January 18, President Obama signed an executive order on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review calling for "a government wide review" of federal rules and regulations to remove those "that stifle job creation and make our economy less competitive." The order was accompanied by an op-ed by the President published in the Wall Street Journal. In the House, Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) has created a website asking employers to identify government regulations and practices that either help or inhibit job creation. The website asks for responses to the questions: "Where does Washington help, and where does it hurt?" The National Council wants to know your ideas about particular rules or regulations that need improving.
Form 1099 Filing Requirements
There is strong momentum for repeal of the new tax-reporting requirement in the health care law that, starting in 2012, will require nonprofits and for-profit businesses to report aggregate payments to vendors in excess of $600 for goods and other property. A bill introduced last week by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE), S.18, has bipartisan support and is paid for by rescinding prior appropriations. A second proposal introduced by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), S.72, has no offsets. A House bill, H.R.4, has broad bipartisan support. President Obama expressed support for repeal of the requirement during his State of the Union address.
The National Council of Nonprofits reported in their newsletter, "Nonprofit Advocacy Matters", that Spending cuts were the consistent theme throughout Washington last week as the President, during his State of the Union address Tuesday night, called for a five-year freeze in non-defense discretionary spending. Also on Tuesday, the House adopted a resolution capping spending for the current fiscal year at or below the levels provided in fiscal 2008. This limit is expected to produce budget cuts this year of $55 billion to $60 billion. In addition, the recommendations of the Republican Study Committee to cut $2.5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years were incorporated in the proposed Spending Reduction Act. Among many items, that bill would block spending for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and for national service programs. The legislation is not expected to be brought up in the House, but it does provide a roadmap for the areas that are being targeted for reductions in the future.
Federal Regulations and Job Creation
Federal regulations are frequently criticized for frustrating job creation, and the President and House Republicans are taking steps to identify key problem areas. On January 18, President Obama signed an executive order on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review calling for "a government wide review" of federal rules and regulations to remove those "that stifle job creation and make our economy less competitive." The order was accompanied by an op-ed by the President published in the Wall Street Journal. In the House, Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) has created a website asking employers to identify government regulations and practices that either help or inhibit job creation. The website asks for responses to the questions: "Where does Washington help, and where does it hurt?" The National Council wants to know your ideas about particular rules or regulations that need improving.
Form 1099 Filing Requirements
There is strong momentum for repeal of the new tax-reporting requirement in the health care law that, starting in 2012, will require nonprofits and for-profit businesses to report aggregate payments to vendors in excess of $600 for goods and other property. A bill introduced last week by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE), S.18, has bipartisan support and is paid for by rescinding prior appropriations. A second proposal introduced by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), S.72, has no offsets. A House bill, H.R.4, has broad bipartisan support. President Obama expressed support for repeal of the requirement during his State of the Union address.
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