Fraternal Advantage - June 2007

NFCA Announces New Legislative Program

The National Fraternal Congress of America’s (NFCA) Government Affairs Department is committed to protecting the 501(c)(8) tax-exempt status for fraternal benefit societies.  The NFCA’s primary objective is to educate and engage policymakers whose decisions may affect fraternal benefit societies, a task that is even more important considering the many freshman legislators in the 110^th Congress.

Adopt-a-Legislator is designed to foster relationships between Congressmen, especially House Ways & Means and Senate Finance committee members, and fraternal benefit societies in their home states.  Many legislators are unaware of the contributions that fraternals make to their local communities, and we ask that participating societies begin by sending their society publication to their assigned legislator’s district office.

A more powerful way to demonstrate fraternalism is to invite legislators to major local events—any fraternal event or activity the society deems appropriate.  The NFCA Government Affairs department can support participating societies by issuing invitations, providing printed materials, and/or following up with invited legislators. 

Adopt-a-Legislator is a flexible program that can be tailored to suit your needs.  Ultimately, the goal is to develop relationships with key policymakers in Congress that will benefit fraternals for years to come. 

In addition, member-societies are encouraged to participate in bi-weekly conference calls with Evan Migdail, the NFCA’s retained Washington counsel.  Mr. Migdail is a tax-law expert and a valuable source of information on the climate in Congress.  All society leaders are welcome to take advantage of Mr. Migdail's expertise and stay informed of the tax issues, which may affect fraternals.

Please feel free to contact Elizabeth Snyder, NFCA Government Affairs Coordinator, for more information. 

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