Duval Times

Two recent rulings by federal judges have raised concerns about the potential for government overreach on private institutions with tax-exempt status. These rulings suggest that private schools, churches, and non-profit charities could face punitive measures if they do not comply with burdensome and politically biased regulations. In response, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and his colleagues have introduced the Safeguarding Charity Act, aiming to protect the independence of tax-exempt organizations.

Senator Rubio expressed his concerns about recent court decisions that could subject these organizations to onerous federal regulations solely because of their tax-exempt status. He stated, "Civic organizations like churches, schools, and charities are crucial to our communities. I remain concerned by recent court decisions that could subject these organizations to burdensome federal regulations simply because they are tax-exempt. My Safeguarding Charity Act would protect these organizations from the government's politicized battles so they can continue their vital work in our communities."

Joining Senator Rubio as original cosponsors of the bill are Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), and Mike Lee (R-UT). Senator Braun emphasized the need to protect charitable organizations, private schools, and churches from being targeted by the federal government due to their tax-exempt status and beliefs. He stated, "We need to protect our charitable organizations, private schools, and churches from being targeted by the federal government due to their tax-exempt status and beliefs."

In the House of Representatives, U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation to the Safeguarding Charity Act. Representative Steube emphasized the importance of preventing the weaponization of the judicial system against houses of worship, religious schools, charities, and other non-profit organizations. He stated, "The Safeguarding Charity Act will help prevent the weaponization of our judicial system against America's houses of worship, religious schools, charities, and other non-profit organizations. These organizations should not be subjected to a series of laws and regulations triggered by receipt of federal financial assistance. I thank Senator Rubio for his partnership on this issue."

The Safeguarding Charity Act is not the only effort by Senator Rubio to protect religious charities and organizations. His Lifting Local Communities Act, which is part of his Providing for Life Act, aims to prohibit unjust discrimination against religious charities in the allocation of government grants and other sources of funding.

The introduction of the Safeguarding Charity Act and the companion legislation in the House reflects the growing concerns about government overreach and the need to protect the independence of tax-exempt organizations. These organizations play a vital role in our communities, and it is essential to ensure that they are not subjected to burdensome regulations and politically biased actions by the government.

For more information on supporting organizations and Senator Rubio's other proposals, interested individuals can click here.

In summary, Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues have introduced the Safeguarding Charity Act to protect tax-exempt organizations from government overreach. The bill aims to prevent burdensome federal regulations and politically biased actions that could hinder the important work of churches, schools, and charities in our communities. The introduction of this legislation reflects the growing concerns about government targeting and the need to safeguard the independence of tax-exempt organizations.