We must increase access for smaller, grassroots nonprofits to engage in the policymaking process
Many under-resourced organizations choose not to engage in permissible advocacy because they fear they are ill equipped to handle the administrative burden that comes with lobbying rules, regulations, reporting, and penalties. This effectively takes the voices of organizations closest to communities out of the legislative process in New York.
Our Recommendations
- The state should enact legislation that would raise the expenditure threshold for 501(c)(3) not-for-profits required to register as a lobbyist.
- The state should enact legislation that would adjust the expenditure threshold to the Consumer Price Index, similar to the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act.12
- The state should regularly hold hearings and listening sessions on challenges for under-resourced community based organizations to engage in the policymaking process.