HARTFORD, CT -- The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy's public policy update from the Septeber 7, 2017 ebrief includes information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); a RALLY to Protect Nonprofit Services; and the State Charity Officials Letter to Congress: Keep the Johnson Amendment.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
"President Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation, calling it an “amnesty-first approach” and urging Congress to pass a replacement before he begins phasing out its protections in six months. Read @ New York Times >>
Responses by philanthropic organizations:
- Perrin Family Foundation (added 9/7/17) issued a statement in support of the young people and families impacted by the DACA repeal and provides resources to learn more.
- Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees issued a statement declaring that “DACA's repeal demands a robust response from philanthropy.” GCIR is compiling statements from foundations and PSOs, along with related resources. To add your statement or other resources to GCIR’s resource page on DACA, please send them to Michael@gcir.org.
- Funders for LGBTQ Issues issued a statement noting that “nearly half of the estimated 75,000 eligible LGBT young undocumented immigrants have taken advantage of DACA, allowing them to dramatically improve their lived experience.”
- Philanthropy California issued a statement urging policymakers to “develop a solution that protects these young people and upholds our nation’s promise of freedom, fairness, and prosperity for all.”
- The Communications Network issued a statement pointing out a poll that 85% of Americans wanted to hear more from the nation's foundations and nonprofits, and urging that they need to "call out when something is wrong."
Connecticut:
The Hartford Courant - Connecticut has joined 14 states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit against President Donald Trump over his decision to end an Obama-era policy that shielded young undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Immigration Strategic Funders Collaborative for Connecticut is committed to enhancing statewide efforts and local work to support Connecticut’s immigrant families, workers, and students. For more information contact Caprice Taylor Mendez, strategic program manager, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
RALLY to Protect Nonprofit Services >>
SEPTEMBER 7: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm; North Capitol Steps, Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford
Connecticut Nonprofit Alliance has organized a rally to protect community services. Every day that goes by without a State budget, the pressure on nonprofits grows and so does the possibility of permanent program reductions, closures, lay-offs and harm to communities. Community nonprofits work with people who have behavioral health issues, feed the hungry, protect children, house the homeless, work with the developmentally disabled, and much more. Send a message to your legislators to let them know you're attending the rally and to pass a budget that protects community services. Learn more about the RALLY >>
State Charity Officials Letter to Congress: Keep the Johnson Amendment
The National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) sent a letter to congressional leaders on August 23 expressing strong opposition to efforts to repeal or weaken the Johnson Amendment. The state charity-law enforcers make clear that it expresses the views of the Board and not necessarily those of any individual AG, Secretary of State, or other state official. Beyond the substance of the letter, the statement is noteworthy given the rare nature of NASCO making public statements. Karen Gano, Connecticut assistant attorney general, and president of NASCO is the main signatory. Read the NASCO letter >>
Resources:
- CCP's April 2017 letter delivered to political leaders in Congress and shared with leaders in the state, about preserving the Johnson Amendment.
- The United Philanthropy Forum’s policy resource page on the Johnson Amendment.