Influencing Budget Legislation

On this episode we dive into ways your organization can weigh in on government budgets and legislation, bringing needed change to your communities. Whether you focus on housing, health care, the environment, education, public safety, civil rights, or virtually any nonprofit activity is impacted by the government budget. There are many opportunities for nonprofits to educate policymakers and the public alike about the critical impact government funding plays in people’s lives. Today, we’ll discuss how nonprofits can influence the budget process and more.    Attorneys for the show Victor Rivera Leslie Barnes Tim Mooney    Nonprofits Can Influence the Budget Process   Government budgets counts as specific legislation  Most but not all budget work counts as lobbying  Public charities can lobby  501(c)(4)s, 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) do not have a federal lobbying limit  Private foundations cannot earmark funds for lobbying but can fund grantees that lobby and engage in non-lobbying advocacy  The budget process starts    President presents budget in February (see federal timeline in resources)  Each state’s budget process is different  Ex – TX legislature meets only every 2 years, working on state budget in 2023  Bills go through a committee process, opportunity for public input  Before that, there is opportunity to influence the draft budget  Opportunity to influence the budget at many stages  Influencing the administrative agencies on what to include in their budget request may be lobbying – do it, track it!  Working to implement how money is allocated after budget is enacted is generally NOT lobbying for IRS purposes. Beware state lobbying registration and reporting  Ways to impact the budget process   Attend public hearings – inform public about when public hearings occur   Direct Lobbying  Grassroots Lobbying   Educating the public using Nonpartisan Analysis Study and Research   Educating the public – no call to action, not lobbying  Lobbying disclosure   Fed, States and some municipalities regulate when nonprofits and employees must register as a lobbyist  Bolder Advocacy has resources on state lobbying registration/reporting  Determine state lobbying threshold for nonprofit and employees  Track and report activities to state regulators  Resources   Nonprofits Can Influence the Budget Process  Administrative Advocacy   State Law Resources: Practical Guidance Series – What Nonprofits Need to Know about Lobbying in Your State  Federal Budget Timeline