policy and advocacy

Legislative News

Arts Advocates Go to Washington, DC, to Fight Threat to Charities
On July 27, 2005, five arts advocates traveled to Washington, DC, to urge the Senate to proceed with caution on plans to impose regulations and fees on charities. The event was organized by the Alliance for Charitable Reform and co-sponsored by Americans for the Arts, the American Council on Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Americans for the Arts staff joined the arts advocates on Capitol Hill, along with representatives from family foundations, educational institutions, and other charities. The Senate is considering proposals to restrict the tax deductibility of charitable gifts; to impose new fees on charities; and to rewrite the rules on conflict of interest, executive compensation, and other governance issues. Action in the Senate could come as soon as mid-September.

Pictured are (left to right): Terri Aldrich (Minot Area Council for the Arts), Brenda Bernardi (Free Arts of Arizona), Patty Hall (Hattiesburg Arts Council), Jean St. John (Great Neighborhoods of Covington), Lamar Rice (mosaicist-apprentice, Covington, KY)

Terri Aldrich with Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND)

Terri with Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)