Three Important Items
9/20/02
1. Charitable Deduction for Minnesota AMT Taxpayers Restored
2. MN Candidates for Governor Make Arts Views Known
3. More “Telling Our Stories” Advocacy 101 Seminars Offered.
1. Charitable Deduction for Minnesota AMT Taxpayers Restored
Recently, the MN State Supreme Court struck down an established provision is state law that allowed MN taxpayers who are subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) to take a deduction for charitable contributions to MN nonprofits. Although this decision affects a relatively small group of wealthy Minnesotans, it includes some of our most generous philanthropists. The court ruled that limiting the deduction to in-state gifts discriminates against interstate commerce and said “no deduction is available for any charitable contributions” made by Minnesotans subject to the AMT. Some have estimated that the court’s ruling could cost the nonprofit community as much as $20 million in charitable giving this year. At the special session on Thursday, September 19, the legislature passed a bill to solve the problems caused by the court’s decision. The bill that passed allows AMT filers to fully deduct any contributions over 1.3% of their federal adjusted gross income. Saying this was a temporary solution, legislative leaders will try to make these charitable deductions fully deductible in the next legislative session in January, 2003.
2. MN Candidates for Governor Make Arts Views Known
Minnesota’s candidates for governor have been responding to MCA’s postcard campaign by sending their views on the arts to arts advocates. We will be publishing their responses in full on our website and will do more coverage on the candidates in the upcoming weeks. Below is a sample (in alphabetical order):
Roger Moe: “I have been a strong supporter of the arts in Minnesota and supported funding for bonding projects such as the Guthrie Theater, the Penumbra Theatre and the Hopkins Center for the Arts, as well as supporting tax exemptions for nonprofits. I recognize the importance the arts play in our lives and in our state. Minnesota’s history of support of the arts is a key reason we are consistently named one of the most livable states in the U.S., and if I am elected, I will continue to advocate for strengthening the role of the arts and cultural experiences in our communities.”
Tim Pawlenty: “Thank you so much for the postcard you sent. Your concern for the arts is admirable and I appreciate your taking the time to write me. It is the initiative of concerned citizens like you that make Minnesota such a great state to live in. I agree wholeheartedly that the arts enhance Minnesota’s quality of life. I assure you that whatever decisions arise that may impact the arts, I will thoroughly consider you concerns.”
Tim Penny: Has not yet responded.
Ken Pentel: “I will work to protect and add arts programs in schools and local communities. I want young people to trust their creative instincts. Our investment in the arts will continue to make Minnesota a place where people can learn, create, and be fully human.”
3. More “Telling Our Stories” Advocacy 101 Seminars Offered.
The Forum of Regional Arts Councils, in cooperation with Minnesota Citizens for the Arts and the Minnesota Alliance for Arts in Education, presents: “Telling Our Stories: Advocating for the Arts in Your Community”
Who should go?
* Arts leaders and artists from your community, staff and board members
* Teachers, school board members, arts active parents/CAPP members
* People who believe in and advocate for the arts
Why do we want you there?
* The understanding you have of your community - its arts successes and challenges - is information that others will want to learn.
* Your experiences are important
* Your continued arts leadership as well as your ability to pass on training to new leaders is needed.
How can you use the skills learned at the workshop?
* New tools, statistics and strategies acquired will help you influence decision-makers in your community to support the arts more generously
* New, beneficial connections within your community and with others in your region will help you collaborate for joint projects more effectively.
* The innovative and exciting success stories of others will ignite you to try new ideas or continue to pursue your current arts agenda.
* You will become aware of strategic points of pressure in town, city and school district systems that might increase the arts programming in your community
Saturday, September 28, 9:30 am -3:30 pm Montevideo Public Library, Montevideo, MN RSVP deadline: September 23
Saturday, October 26, 9:00am - 3:00 pm Lake Superior College, Duluth MN RSVP deadline: October 21
TO REGISTER: Registration is $15 and includes lunch. Please make checks payable to the RAC Forum and mail to:
Geri Katz, RAC Forum, 2233 University Avenue West, Suite 355, St. Paul, MN 55114
OR Call Geri Katz at 651-251-0868 and leave your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.