In what is being called the most unified political push ever among Massachusetts-based nonprofits, organizations have coalesced to defeat Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot — a measure designed to eliminate the state income tax and one that nonprofit leaders argue could decimate the services they provide.

The effort is spearheaded in large part by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, an umbrella organization formed several years ago that now counts 500 organizations among its membership. The network and its members have been using every means possible to get out the word to the people they serve, many in low-income and urban communities, and rallying them to turn out at the polls next week.

The nonprofit message is simple: If you rely on our community-based services, vote “No” on Question 1.

For immediate release
BOSTON- The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) is pleased to announce the passage of H. 274, An Act Relative to the Annual Report of Public Charities.  The MNN has worked for more than a year to assure the law’s passage.  Prior to the change in law a nonprofits that received [...]

Underscoring the severity of the economy’s troubles and a spike in demand for services, the Salvation Army of Massachusetts for the first time in its history is moving up the start date of its bell ringers in area shops and malls. Expect to see those volunteers out in full force starting Nov. 12.

Indeed, the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, which goes hand in hand with the holiday season, will likely sound a less dulcet tone this year.

Demand for Salvation Army assistance has already increased upwards of 50 percent since the spring, yet revenue from the previous holiday kettle campaign, which helps pay for programs throughout the year, was down. The 2007 campaign generated just over $3 million, off 4 percent from the amount collected in 2006.

For immediate release

BOSTON -  Massachusetts Nonprofit Network is holding its first annual conference on October 24th at Bentley College to bring together the state’s nonprofits.  This group of experts will be strategizing about how to maintain nonprofit services within Massachusetts communities, even in the wake of imminent financial constriction.
Unfortunately, the financial crisis at hand [...]

For 20 years in the Legislature, I was involved in the state budget process.

When the economy was doing well, constituents wanted both tax cuts and spending increases. They got both, and re-election was easy. When the economy turned sour, we found ourselves voting to raise taxes during an economic downturn and cutting spending when the demands on government were increasing. Many lost their seat in those times.

This seems crazy until you think of the political viability of the alternative – cutting spending and raising taxes when we have a surplus. The solution, of course, is that when times are good some revenue should be put into a reserve account, a “rainy day” fund, to prepare for the next downturn. This is what prudent families do.