Stay Informed
Updates from our Policy Director
August 6, 2020
As Forefront’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, I’m thrilled to report key policy developments on behalf of our sector. Over the past few months, our team has met with many congressional offices, including those of Senators Durbin, Duckworth, and Rubio, to develop solutions that address the complicated issues affecting Illinois’ nonprofits. To date, we’ve collectively made progress on:
- The ability for nonprofits with 500+ employees to apply for forgivable loans under the Payroll Protection Program
- Expanding the Universal Charitable Deduction and the Employee Retention Tax Credit
- Creating automatic forgiveness for PPP loans less than $150,000
- Creating a Mid-Size Loan Program for nonprofits
- Pushing for no liability upfront to self-insured nonprofits
- Funding for state and local government in future stimulus packages
We are so thankful for our partners who work with us to push forward the issues that are necessary for the success and vibrancy of the social impact sector. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at bzarou@myforefront.org. Thank you!
Bryan Zarou
Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, Forefront
Sector-Wide Developments
- Wednesday, September 16: Congressional leaders face mounting pressure to agree on a COVID-19 relief package. Last night, the Problem Solvers Caucus—a group of 50 House Democrats and Republicans—proposed a $1.5 trillion package that includes much-needed funding for state and local governments; 8 weeks of unemployment benefits; $1,200 direct stimulus payments for individuals; and a second round of the Payroll Protection Program, including “simple forgiveness” (an aspect Forefront advocated for). The White House seems open to these negotiations, and we will share updates as the package progresses.
- Tuesday, September 15: Forefront’s policy committee met with Senator Heather Steans this week to discuss what the Illinois legislature has planned for its upcoming session. Forefront will continue our push to raise the Audit Threshold, create a community foundation endowment, and amend the pending lobbying laws impacting the City of Chicago and State of Illinois. With Illinois’ next steps contingent upon federal funding, Forefront will also continue to advocate for federal relief in the coming months.
- Tuesday, September 8: Republican Senate leaders released a COVID-19 relief package that is expected to come up for a floor vote. The package is not expected to pass with a filibuster-proof majority. Read a summary of the bill here.
- Wednesday, August 26: Since the start of the pandemic, self-insured nonprofits across the country have faced a shortfall in relief due to guidance from the United States Department of Labor. Forefront vigorously advocated on behalf of these nonprofits to the State of Illinois to ensure that they receive 100% relief for their unemployment insurance costs. We are delighted to announce our advocacy has been successful, and self-insured nonprofits in Illinois can now take steps to receive 100% relief. Read Illinois’ updated Unemployment Insurance Guidance to learn more.
- Monday, August 2: President Trump has signed the Protecting Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow Strain Act (S.4209), which will override the Labor Department requirement that self-insured nonprofits must pay 100 percent of benefits costs upfront. Read about the bill here.
- Thursday, June 18: The implementation of the new nonprofit lobbying law for the City of Chicago has been delayed until January 2021. Forefront has been working tirelessly to halt this new ordinance to ensure much-needed changes occur before going into effect. Read the City’s press release here.
For updates dating back to mid-March, view our complete COVID-19 policy timeline.
To access additional Forefront resources, as well as webinars, reports, free tools, and other information from across the country, visit our COVID-19 resources page.
