The House last week just approved a bill that any progressive or supporter of separation of church and state should be contacting your Senator about. According to The Hill, "The House passed a measure Thursday to block the IRS from using funds revoking the tax-exempt status of churches that participate in political campaigns." Yes, you heard that right. A church will be able to use its clout to support political candidates as well as, de facto, strong-arming its membership to fall in line. A indelible stain on democracy if it should happen.
The legislation limits the agency from rescinding the groups' tax-exempt status and requires the express approval of the IRS commissioner to do so. As you might imagine, it was tacked on as a rider to a government funding bill which was passed 217 to 199, pretty much along party lines. This bill also applies to other non-profit organizations which raises the spector that there will be more "pay to play" with politicians holding their hands open to possible contribution in exchange for a little quid pro quo.
The measure has been sent on to the Senate who killed a similar measure in December of 2017. However, with tight senate races underway, the temptation this time may be too great for the Senate to reject this, especially attached to a funding package. Even those you might perceive have the most to gain aren't thrilled with this. A 2016 poll showed that 3 out of 4 Evangelical Christians don't want their ministers preaching politics out of the pulpit--do your part to prevent this. However, it will go a long way to holding the senators accountable, if they know you are watching and acting!
The legislation limits the agency from rescinding the groups' tax-exempt status and requires the express approval of the IRS commissioner to do so. As you might imagine, it was tacked on as a rider to a government funding bill which was passed 217 to 199, pretty much along party lines. This bill also applies to other non-profit organizations which raises the spector that there will be more "pay to play" with politicians holding their hands open to possible contribution in exchange for a little quid pro quo.
The measure has been sent on to the Senate who killed a similar measure in December of 2017. However, with tight senate races underway, the temptation this time may be too great for the Senate to reject this, especially attached to a funding package. Even those you might perceive have the most to gain aren't thrilled with this. A 2016 poll showed that 3 out of 4 Evangelical Christians don't want their ministers preaching politics out of the pulpit--do your part to prevent this. However, it will go a long way to holding the senators accountable, if they know you are watching and acting!
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