The Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA) announced today that it has concerns about proposed federal legislation (H.R. 172, H.R. 781, and S.264) that would politicize charitable nonprofits. Current law prevents charitable nonprofits from engaging in partisan, election-related activities. The proposed legislation would alter this longstanding federal law that protects charitable nonprofits and foundations – and the donating public – by allowing this type of political activity.
“Nonprofits accomplish so many wonderful things in our state. We have the privilege of engaging with our youth and helping them to dream for brighter futures. We work to preserve our lands and make sure our water and air are safe to drink and breathe. We provide housing, food and assistance for people living in poverty. We provide museums and galleries and wetlands preserves and many more things. The moment we begin to politicize our missions we begin to lose the trust the public has bestowed upon us”, indicates Kate Rubalcava, UNA Chief Executive Officer.
UNA Board Chair, Kristy Chambers adds, “larger concerns regarding donor confidence are apparent. When charitable nonprofits receive donations those donations are meant to support the work and the mission of the organization. Donations are not meant to go toward a political campaign or agenda.”
Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits indicates, “Nonpartisanship is vital to the work of charitable nonprofits. It enables organizations to address community challenges and invites the problem solving skills of all residents, without the distractions of party labels and the caustic partisanship that is bedeviling our country.” Mr. Delany further explains, “Nonprofits are already free to exercise their First Amendment rights to advocate for their missions. Allowing political operatives to push for endorsements would put nonprofits in a position where they become known as Democratic charities or Republican charities and put missions at risk.”
“In Utah we owe it to our residents, the nonprofits that serve them, and the larger community to remain nonpartisan”, states UNA CEO Kate Rubalcava.
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About the Utah Nonprofits Association
The mission of the Utah Nonprofits Association (UNA) is to unify, elevate, and strengthen nonprofits in Utah by providing access to pooled resources, training, and advocacy. As a statewide organization, nonprofit members represent all sizes and types including health and human services, education, arts and cultural, animal welfare and environmental organizations. Each year, thousands of nonprofit board members, volunteers and professional staff turn to UNA for resources to better serve their communities. Incorporated in 1990, UNA has grown both in membership and in the programs and services. Today, the organization has more than 750 members—both nonprofit organizations and community groups—representing over 6,000 statewide nonprofits in every sector, including health and human service providers, educational institutions, and arts, cultural, and environmental organizations. Visit http://Utahnonprofits.org for more information.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jack Mozloom, Media Communications Director, 202-406-4450, jack.mozloom@nfib.org
Half of Small Businesses Say Regulations are a Problem, NFIB Research Finds
Cost is the single biggest regulatory headache, followed by confusion over how to comply, according to National Federation of Independent Business
Washington, D.C. (February 16, 2017) – Roughly half of all small business owners say regulations are a “very serious” or “somewhat serious problem,” according to new research made public today by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
“Small business owners are drowning in regulations imposed by every level of government,” said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan. “It’s a major problem affecting millions of businesses, and the federal government is the biggest contributor.”
According to the survey, 25 percent of small employers say regulations are a “very serious problem.” Another 23 percent say regulations are a “somewhat serious problem.”
While regulations affect small businesses of every size, firms with 20 to 249 employees seem to be struggling the most. Among that cohort, 38 percent described regulations as a “very serious problem.” Another 26 percent said regulations are a “somewhat serious problem.”
“Some regulations exempt firms with fewer employees,” said NFIB Research Director Holly Wade. “Regulations are a problem for employers in every size cohort, but the pain gets more intense with more employees. This creates a clear disincentive to add jobs, and overregulation should be the first consideration for policymakers.”
Twenty-eight percent of small employers cited cost as their biggest regulatory problem. Other problems cited were: “understanding how to comply” (18 percent); “extra paperwork” (17 percent); and “time delays” caused by regulations (10 percent).
Slightly more than half of small firms said the number of regulations with which they must comply has increased in the last three years. Within that figure, 65 percent of firms with 20 to 249 employees said their regulatory burdens have increased in the last three years.
Other key findings include:
“In simple terms, regulatory compliance uses valuable human and financial capital, which is in short supply for small employers,” said Wade. “Regulations drain trillions of dollars from the economy and the value of many is questionable. Employers and the public are not getting their money’s worth.”
Click here to view the full report. For more information about NFIB, please visit www.nfib.com.
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GLSEN to DeVos: Protect Crucial LGBTQ Youth Protections from Department of Education Cuts
NEW YORK (February 16, 2017) — In a recent interview with a Michigan radio program, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos telegraphed her intentions to cut what she deems “unnecessary” Department of Education programs, saying:
“I can't tell you today what is being done [at the Department of Education] that's unnecessary. But I can guarantee that there are things that the department has been doing that are probably not necessary or important for a federal agency to do. We'll be looking at that.”
In response, GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard, released the following statement:
“With 66% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) students reporting having personally experienced LGBTQ-related discriminatory policies or practices at their school, protecting LGBTQ students is a necessity. During her confirmation hearing, then-nominee DeVos expressed her support for maintaining safe learning environments for all students – including LGBTQ students – and we hope she will keep that promise. Last year, a record number of families from across the country turned to the Department of Education for help. 16,000 reports of discrimination, each more heartbreaking than the next. Clearly, the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education is an essential service to the American people.
“Although 14 states have passed comprehensive nondiscrimination laws inclusive of LGBTQ students, over half of the nation’s school population remains without such protections. It is imperative that the Department of Education protects all students, particularly where the states continue to fail in doing so. This is precisely why the Office for Civil Rights exists. The Department also plays a vital role in documenting what is going on in schools across the country, in order to track our progress in reducing barriers to opportunity. The Civil Rights Data Collection is an essential investment in real educational opportunity.
“We urge Secretary DeVos to keep in place protections for the most marginalized students – women, students with disabilities, students of color, undocumented students and LGBTQ students – when considering any funding cuts.”
GLSEN’s flagship research project, the National School Climate Survey, provides additional details regarding the school experiences of LGBTQ youth in schools. Read the Executive Summary, or download the full report, online at glsen.org/nscs.
About GLSEN
GLSEN champions safe and affirming schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, largely through our network of chapters working in their local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact has won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.
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UTAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS TO CELEBRATE DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY
Volunteers needed to read to elementary school students!
SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday, March 2, thousands of Utah elementary students will be heard rhyming in unison as they participate in Dr. Seuss Day, part of the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative.
United Way of Salt Lake is partnering with 17 schools in Salt Lake and Davis counties that are hosting Dr. Seuss fun reading events. There are spots available for 200-500 volunteers to read Dr. Seuss books in classrooms, play literacy games with students – ALL in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Some volunteers even tap into the spirit of the event and come dressed in Dr. Seuss-themed outfits, including the Grinch and Cat in the Hat.
The national event, now in its 20th year, is designed to encourage students to find the fun in reading. This message is especially important to these elementary schools involved – many are Title 1 schools, where 70-90 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch. Nearly all these students face economic or language barriers, creating additional academic challenges for them to overcome.
Participating elementary schools are United Way of Salt Lake Community Schools and part of collaborative partnerships with the Granite Education Foundation and Granite School District and dozens of nonprofit organizations. Community Schools serve as a resource for students, families, and the broader community. These schools create a web of support focused on improving academic outcomes for low-income students. Partners align academic programs and other resources such as financial stability, health and basic needs programs at the school.
**MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES**
Thursday, March 2:
8:45-11a.m. – Woodrow Wilson Elementary, (2567 Main St, SLC): Volunteers from American Express will be reading books to students and help with various classroom activities, including making Dr. Seuss hats and writing stories about the students’ aspirations.
Friday, March 3:
8:30-11a.m. – Oquirrh Hills (5241 S 4280 W, Kearns): Volunteers from JCPenney will help with the school assembly, read in classrooms, and play with students at recess.
CONTACT INFO: Stephanie Rokich, Volunteer Engagement Manager; 801-746-2566, Cell – 801-910-6298 or StephanieR@uw.org
To sign up to volunteer, visit www.uw.org . Join the conversation: #UtahKidsFirst
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United Way of Salt Lake is working to advance the education, income, and health of our neighborhoods and communities to ensure that every child succeeds, every step of the way, from cradle to career. We invite everyone to be a part of the change. You can give, you can advocate, and you can volunteer. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED. Join the conversation by visiting our blog at uwslhub.org, or find out more at uw.org.
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Incredible Predators Take Over the IMAX at Clark Planetarium
Explore challenges faced by Earth’s great predators in new film, Incredible Predators 3D, opening February 17th
Salt Lake City, UT – The most iconic hunters on Earth – polar bears, cheetahs,and leopards – often seen as no more than vicious predators, until now. Clark Planetarium invites the public to emotionally engage with the uphill struggle faced by wild predatory animals and their young in the captivating new BBC Earth film, Incredible Predators 3D.
Written and directed by Silverback Films’ Alastair Fothergill, and produced in cooperation with BBC Earth, Incredible Predators 3D follows the real-life dramas of predatory animals, where everything, including their very survival, is at stake. In a daring first, the film follows the largest animal on Earth, the blue whale, and is the first to capture the blue whale feeding on krill in clear blue water.
In addition to capturing both the successes and failures of large animals on-the-hunt, Incredible Predators 3D pays special attention to often overlooked predators of small stature. The film features the hunting tactics of smaller creatures including the chameleon, the praying mantis, and Darwin’s bark spider, a hunter whose behavior has never before been captured on film.
Far from being a film about the kill, Incredible Predators 3D focuses on strategy and the huge effort of hunters to survive. As the hardest working animals on the planet, the film focuses on predators and the extraordinary lengths they must go to in order to be at the top of their game, to remain at the top of the food chain, and to raise and feed their young.
Incredible Predators 3D opens to the public in the Orbital ATK IMAX Theatre on Friday, February 17th, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.clarkplanetarium.org.
The new film is not the only way the public can explore our ever-changing world and the challenges it, and its inhabitants, face. Clark Planetarium’s newly renovated exhibits program examines many of Earth’s greatest and most fascinating obstacles, including volcanoes, earthquakes, asteroids, and tornados. Additional shows playing in the Orbital ATK IMAX Theatre and Hansen Dome Theatre expand on these and other Earth science and space science topics. More information about exhibits and shows playing at Clark Planetarium can be found on the Clark Planetarium web site.
About Clark Planetarium
Clark Planetarium’s mission is to create and present stimulating educational programs that effectively share astronomy and space exploration information with Salt Lake County residents, Utah students, educators and families, and visitors from around the country and the world. For more information visit www.clarkplanetarium.org or follow Clark Planetarium on Twitter or Facebook.
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CForce Premium Artesian Water, Chuck Norris, Diesel Brothers and Maverik, Inc. Team Up for Fan Giveaway
Maverik, Inc. to give away “Truck Norris,” built by Diesel Brothers, to one lucky winner
Navasota, TX (Feb. 15th, 2017) - Maverik, Inc., along with Chuck Norris, the Diesel Brothers and CForce premium artesian water, is giving away a tricked-out truck called “Truck Norris” to one lucky winner. The truck was commissioned by Maverik, inspired by Chuck Norris and designed and built by Heavy D and Diesel Dave of the Discovery Channel show Diesel Brothers. The truck features and design will be revealed on the Diesel Brothers episode airing on Monday, Feb. 20 at 10:00 p.m. EST; however, sneak peek photos are available at TruckNorris.com.
To enter to win the truck, individuals must be a member of Maverik’s Adventure Club. Members earn trail points on all purchases and can spend those trail points on entries to win the truck. If members purchase Chuck Norris’ new CForce premium artesian water, available at all Maverik locations, they are able to receive bonus entries for the contest. Each month, Maverik will announce one finalist, then choose the final winner of the truck from those finalists in the fall of 2017. So far, three finalists have been announced, with eight more to be announced in the coming months.
“I am thrilled to partner with Diesel Brothers for the Truck Norris giveaway,” says Chuck Norris. “Thank you to Maverik for organizing this whole opportunity. I am excited to offer CForce premium artesian water at Maverik locations and can’t wait for a lucky fan to win.”
More details surrounding the Truck Norris and the surrounding promotion are available at TruckNorris.com.
About CFORCE Premium Artesian Water
CForce Bottling Company, a certified woman-owned business, was founded in 2015 by Gena and Chuck Norris. While looking for a new well site, the Norris family discovered the pristine water source on their Lone Wolf Ranch in Navasota, TX. CForce premium artesian water is naturally filtered through ancient, 23,000 year-old, volcanic rock and is then deposited into a deep, sustainable aquifer. As a force of nature, the water erupts from the ground and is already pure, smooth and naturally high in pH. A state-of-the-art bottling facility was constructed on the property in 2016 to bottle CForce premium artesian water at its source. CForce Bottling Company prides itself on being a different kind of company, and appreciates all of its partners. For more information, visit www.cforce.com.
About Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop©
Maverik is Adventure’s First Stop© – the place to go to gear-up for adventure at nearly 300 premium convenience stores across 10 western states. We’re known for creating an immersive “adventure” experience for our customers, our delicious BonFire™ food — made fresh in every Maverik, every day — and our clean, friendly service. We believe life is an adventure, and our brand inspires outdoor activity and positive, healthy living.
About Diesel Brothers
When it comes to the building and selling the most outrageous diesel vehicles on the market, Heavy D and Diesel are the ultimate masterminds. The team at DieselSellerz works hard and plays even harder, bringing their tricked out trucks to fans across America and the internet, showcasing their stunt driving and pranks along the way. Heavy D, Diesel Dave, Redbeard, The Muscle and the rest of the team at DieselSellerz have built an empire and the all-new season of the hit show, DIESEL BROTHERS, premieres Mondays at 10pm ET/PT on Discovery. DIESEL BROTHERS launched during Discovery's "Motor Mondays" in early 2016, pulling more than 2 million viewers per episode and is currently the network's highest-rated new series in adult 25-54 in more than two years.
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