Civic Register
| 8.1.19
Do You Support Shielding Political Donors’ Identities?
Should political donors be allowed to stay anonymous?
What’s the story?
- A federal judge in Montana has overturned an Internal Revenue Service rule that would have allowed certain political nonprofits, known as “social-welfare” organizations, to keep their donor lists hidden.
- Last year, the IRS had reversed a longstanding rule that required groups like the National Rifle Association, AARP, and NRA to disclose the identity of large donors. New Jersey and Montana sued.
- U.S. federal Judge Brian Morris ruled that the IRS did not follow proper procedure in writing the rule and needs to allow public comments before making changes to the tax code.
“Then, and only then, may the IRS act on a fully informed basis when making potentially significant changes to federal tax law,” Morris said.
What are people saying?
- New Jersey attorney general, Gurbir Grewal, called the decision a “big win for democracy.”
"Not only did the IRS try to make it easier for dark money groups to hide their funding sources, it did so behind closed doors," said Grewal in a statement.
- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democratic presidential hopeful, said in June that elected officials were “like NASCAR, sponsored by different companies. At least voters oughta know who’s doing the buying. Literally now, a Russian could give to the NRA, and not even the IRS would know.”
- IRS officials said Wednesday they do not comment on litigation.
What do you think?
Do you support shielding political donor identities? Or should nonprofits have to disclose their donors? Take action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
(Photo Credit: iStock / Kritchanut)
The Latest
-
IT: Battles between students and police intensify, and... 💻 Should we regulate AI access to our private data?Welcome to Thursday, May 2nd, listeners... The battle between protesters and police intensifies on college campuses across the read more...
-
Should U.S. Implement Laws Protecting Private Data from AI Access?Artificial intelligence is rapidly integrating into our everyday lives, transforming the way we work, live, and interact with read more... Artificial Intelligence
-
Protests Grow Nationwide as Students Demand Divestment From IsraelUpdated May 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EST The battle between protesters and police has intensified on college campuses across the read more... Advocacy
-
IT: Rumors spread about ICC charging Israel with war crimes, and... Should states disqualify Trump?Welcome to Tuesday, April 30th, friends... Rumors spread that the International Criminal Court could issue arrest warrants for read more...
We must have free and transparent elections. Get the money out of our elections so our elections cannot be bought.