FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Robin Koerner, Communications Director
Email: rkoerner@taxrevolution.us
Phone: 202-507-6329
As we approach the passage of yet another appropriations bill, Congress has the opportunity to finally move to protect the free-speech rights of nonprofits from the IRS once and for all.
Instead, it appears that they will opt to kick the can down the road — yet again.
For decades, the IRS has been used as a political tool to target opposition on either side of the aisle. The IRS’s presumed authority to engage in this sort of political targeting remains in effect to this day, and sadly this bill changes nothing.
In August 2016, the Tax Revolution Institute formed the nonpartisan First Amendment Alliance to raise awareness of the IRS’s plan to redefine “electioneering” and make it virtually impossible for nonprofits to exercise their free-speech rights. Previously protected speech, such as news reporting and issue advocacy, would be off limits to nonprofit organizations if the IRS succeeded in implementing its “muzzle rule.” Under this rule — not voted for by any of the people’s representatives — even the mere mention of a political candidate or his voting record would be enough to get an organization stripped of its nonprofit status.
When the IRS first proposed the muzzle rule in late 2013, it received more than 175,000 comments, overwhelmingly in opposition.
While temporarily preventing the proposed “muzzle rule” from taking effect, as the 2018 Appropriations Bill does, is welcome, Congress must act to protect free speech by permanently preventing the implementation of the rule.
Unfortunately, the muzzle rule has dropped off most people’s radar. TRI, however, will continue to sound the alarm and build support from across the political spectrum to encourage Congress to do its job, which includes protecting free speech by preventing the rule’s implementation, consistent with our First Amendment rights.
###
About the Tax Revolution Institute
The Tax Revolution Institute (TRI) is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting the freedom and wellbeing of all Americans by maximizing the quality and accessibility of public services and accountability in their provision.
Learn more at https://taxrevolution.us/