If it acts like a for-profit, political organization and talks like a for-profit, political organization; isn’t it a for-profit, political organization? And is it then tax exempt? The answer may surprise you.
 
The Internal Revenue Service makes clear on its website, the rules of tax-exemption:
Churches and religious organizations can receive tax-deductible contributions like 501(c)(3) organizations, as they follow these IRS requirements:

• The organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes

• Net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder

• No substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation

• The organization may not intervene in political campaigns

• The organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.

The 501(c)(3) rules double down on barring political activity

The Placer County Democratic Central Committee (PCDCC) officially endorsed, and supports the passage of this important legislation, SB 770 - California Universal Health Care Coverage:  2023 Renewed Fight for Affordable Health Care.
 
In my commentary in the PCDCC June 1, 2023 newsletter, I stated SB 770 will provide the budget plan to form the building blocks to energize the consideration, in 2024, of AB 1690, Universal Health Care Coverage. SB 770 will address what the organization Healthy California Now advocated: … the need to “work out policy difference and establish a coordinated effort between the governor, legislature, advocates, and funders to produce an ‘actionable’ package of policy proposals in accordance with a waiver framework the Biden Administration will support….”  SB 770 has all the elements of this argument and will start the process of moving SB 770 through both chambers of our California State Legislature and to be signed into law by our governor. The major stakeholders are California citizens who will benefit from a single health care payor system supported by a solid financial system. 

As an appointed member of the Citizens Oversight Committee on the Sierra College Measure E Bond Measure, I attend quarterly meetings where financial reports on the expenditure of Measure E Bond funds are presented by Sierra College Administration staff.  The financial reports are very detailed and broken down by specific projects.  If you have not been on the campus in a few years, I can assure you that there has been substantial infrastructure investment in bringing the campus into the 21st century.

Editor’s note: this is the thirteenth in a series of summaries based on author and professor of history, Timothy Snyder’s book “On Tyranny”. The goal is to pass on his insights, wisdom and forecast to those who have not read his works.
 

While published in 2017, Mr. Snyder’s book is filled with “eternal truths”. The chapter is especially pertinent and valuable to us in 2023 as we watch Ukranians fight for their democracy. As we approach our elections, it should remind us how fragile democracy can be and the price that can be demanded to hold onto it.
 

Learn from peers in other countries.

On Saturday, June 10th, our Placer County Democratic Party held our tenth annual fundraiser—The Roosevelt Kennedy Dinner. Our special guests included Congresswoman Katie Porter, our keynote speaker, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, our featured speaker. Enjoy the photos and videos of our event.

Graduations, Weddings, Fathers’ Day, Summer Get-Away plans after June 10 (don’t miss Katie Porter keynote speaker!)

June is the new “December” with so many plans and events keeping us busy! In addition to Fathers’ Day (June 18), there are graduations and weddings for many families and associates, not to mention getting in summer down time and vacations.  Locally, there are many events, starting on June 10 with our SOLD OUT Roosevelt-Kennedy Awards Fundraiser with our keynote speaker Congresswoman Katie Porter!

Lots of photos from our Placer County Democratic Party delegation to the 2023 Re-organizing Convention in Los Angeles. Enjoy.

May has so many events keeping us busy! In addition to Mothers’ Day (May 14), the CADEM convention (May 25-28) and Memorial Day (May 29), there are graduations and weddings for many families and associates. Locally, there are two events on the weekend of May 20/21 including the Auburn Home Show and Pride Celebration in Roseville at Royer Park which will keep our Event volunteers very busy as well.

In April, Our Community Engagement Committee met to discuss and develop our strategic activities to meet our goals for 2023. Using a strategy development matrix, the committee brainstormed resources and strategies to successfully accomplish our goals of increasing our active volunteer data base, promoting calls to action, and targeting both younger and No Party Preference voters.

On the horizon:

Is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas the
far right’s gift that keeps on giving?
 
A gift consists not in what is done or given,
but in the intention of the giver or doer. ~ Seneca

For who knows how long, Justice Clarence Thomas has been heavily gifted by right wing, Nazi memorabilia-collecting, Harlan Crow.  The Republican megadonor has lavished Thomas and his wife with yacht cruises, art, and vacations that the justice failed to disclose. Unfortunately, that is not new. For his entire public career, Thomas has shown the world who he is, it’s time to believe him.

Universal Health Care is back in the conversation under two recently introduced legislative measures in the current California Legislative session.
 
California Legislation AB 1690 Universal Health Care Coverage was officially introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Ash Kalra on February 17, 2023. During the last legislation session, he was the author of AB 1400 California Guaranteed Health-Care for All Act.  Currently, this legislation is designated as a spot bill.

Editor’s note: this is the eleventh in a series of summaries based on author and professor of history, Timothy Snyder’s book “On Tyranny”. The goal is to pass on his insights, wisdom and forecast to those who have not read his works.

 Contribute to Good Causes

 “Be active in organizations, political or not, that express your own view of life…Then you have made a free choice that supports civil society and helps others to do good.”

April follows what has been a wet, windy, snowy and ‘fallen trees’ late winter this year.  This is good news for the drought conditions and the snow pack may extend the winter sports season by months! 

The weather is not the only thing acting like climate change in our area.  I hope most of our readers are aware of the political changes and controversies taking place at our local school boards.  Book banning and stigmatizing of the LGBTQIA and their allies in our community have caused a great deal of pain and community upheaval.  I encourage individuals to take action in line with our democratic values by attending school board meetings and communicating with board members by letter/phone/email.

Many of the loudest voices are attempting to impose their values based on their religious beliefs on the entire school system.