PA1: The Community Commitment Act [failed]

[Türkisblau]

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Sponsor: Potus2036

[Potus]

Any questions on this?

[Türkisblau]

Any questions on this?

I believe you know my concerns. Many charities (ie. Susan G. Komen) have a ridiculous % of their funding going towards administrative including some very highly paid employees.

Would Section 4 allow an easy tax exempt avenue for them to pad their wallets even more than they are? I hate to, well, hate on charities but there are questionable ones that I think could take unfair advantage of this.

[Simfan34]

Is the region supposed to deduct the entirety of all charitable contributions from a person's tax liabilities, plus some matching credit? This in many cases would completely wipe out any tax liability considering we are talking about regional tax rates. Furthermore, when considering the volume of donations as is this would generate liabilities for the region in the tens of billions. What is a "community development grant", by the way?

I can't see myself signing this in its present form- as is it would put a massive hole in our budget with little return. Sure, you might imagine that "charity" in the abstract would make up for it, but with people donating to their local arboretum, church repair, Planned Parenthood, or interpretive dance centre, I'm inclined to conclude the flow of funds would be redirected away from what we need funded towards ends that could rely on donations, rather than state support, but far less reliably than regular appropriations.

I'm one to place great importance on the arts, but I don't think this would be worthwhile for anything near what it would cost the region. Which we have no idea of.

[Türkisblau]

I have to concur with the Governor.

[Türkisblau]

Does the sponsor have anything to add before we move on to a vote?

[Potus]

It's not a credit. It reduces taxable income, not tax burden. If I make a $100 contribution and report it on my taxes, I get my taxable income reduced by $115.

This is hardly a budget buster. The general concept is to equip civil society and communities with more resources, financial and otherwise. Simfan, you and I should support the bill because it reduces the demand for government. People will have their unfilled needs filled by a means other than government. Turk, you ought to be on board because it strengthens "the village" the Left holds so dear.

Really, it's pretty inoffensive stuff.

[Türkisblau]

We will be going into voting procedure. Councilors have 48 hours to vote.

[Türkisblau]

Nay

[Tetro Kornbluth]

Nay

[Türkisblau]

This fails with 2 nays and 1 not voting.