Happy Friday,
Nonprofits and other entities hope to avoid repeat of past legislative session
As the General Assembly went into session, emailed observations landed in media “In Boxes.”
Their message is simple. In tough times, nongovernment groups do more with less in building the safety net for the less fortunate, and in improving the quality of life through the arts and other activities.
Last year, the nonprofit community was blindsided by a sometimes ill-tempered Joint Finance Committee that does much of the slicing and dicing of the budget.
Nonprofits took a hit in the process as legislators dealt with a structural budget deficit that comes despite a sluggish but long-lived economic recovery.
We also saw a dysfunctional end to the session. The stalemate went beyond the normal marathon that typically extends into the early morning hours of July 1.
Legislators vow to do a better job this year with more advanced preparation.
We’ll see if that effort leads to a smoother process.
It is clear that nonprofits have their ducks in a row in making their case. Let’s see if the General Assembly does the same. Enjoy your weekend and unless your loyalties lie elsewhere cheer on the birds. The newsletter returns on Monday. – Doug Rainey, publisher.
