News

Citizens United: What Now?

On Jan 21, 2010, in a rare special session, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 opinion in Citizens United v. FEC, a case that will greatly impact nonprofit advocacy activities. Although much of the media focus is on for-profit corporations, it is important to recognize what this decision means for nonprofits. Visit Alliance for Justice (AFJ) to:
  • Read AFJ Statement on Citizens United
  • Download Fact Sheet on Citizens United (pdf)
  • Read AFJ report: "What does Citizens United mean to nonprofits"
  • Listen to expert briefing on Citizens United (mp3)

Warning Wisconsin Could Lose Population Count Due to Snowbird Confusion in Census, Help Needed, Job Opportunities. Dec 16, 2009
... The results of the census are used to determine Congressional seats, legislative districts, and the distribution of over $400 billion in federal funds. Localities use census data to site hospitals and schools. Businesses use them to determine where to build new plants and site stores. “Wisconsin already ranks low in receiving federal dollars,” says Kaminski, “We don’t want an undercount to exacerbate that situation.”

FEC Opens Scrutiny of Nonprofit Rules
The Federal Election Commission announced that it is taking suggestions on how it should rewrite its regulations that limit how nonprofits can raise and spend money. The decision follows a court case ruling where Democratic abortion rights group EMILY’s List should be treated “like individual citizens,” and be “entitled to spend and raise unlimited money.”