ACLU & Nonprofit Coalition Calls On Congress To Reject TikTok Bill
The ACLU rejected calls by Congress last week to ban TikTok or force its sale to an American entity as part of a broader outcry from civil society over concerns with the legislation. Last week, the House of Representatives passed the bill known as the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” (H.R. 7521), which will now go to the Senate where its future remains murky. Congress has repeatedly indicated concern with the apps’ ties to the Chinese government (TikTok is owned by Chinese-based ByteDance) amid data integrity concerns, though rights groups like the ACLU have broadly called the efforts to ban the app “censorship” and a violation of the “First Amendment rights of more than half of the country.” While data and privacy concerns are real, technology policy and rights advocates largely consider the sweeping legislation potentially dangerous and ill-informed, despite the oft-cited harms of social media at the forefront of public consciousness. The bill won the overwhelming support of Congress with a 352 to 62 vote.
Inside the Movement to Ban Lab-Grown Meat | Mother Jones
Nonprofits like the Good Food Institute are stepping into the fray, advocating against bans on cell-cultured meats and pushing for progress in alternative proteins, arguing that stifling this nascent industry could hinder innovation and fails to advance health or safety. These organizations emphasize the potential environmental benefits of lab-grown meats, considering the significant methane emissions from livestock, and seek to safeguard the freedom of consumers and businesses in the food system. Their involvement underscores the critical role nonprofits play in shaping food policy and promoting sustainable solutions in the face of legislative challenges that could impact the future of food and the environment.
Tax exemption on catered fundraiser meals for nonprofits
Michigan House Bill 5596 is on the legislative menu, and it’s serving up potential savings for your next big event. This bill is all about dishing out a tax exemption for catered meals at nonprofit fundraisers, which could slice a nice piece off the costs of hosting those grand soirees. If this bill gets the legislative thumbs-up, nonprofits could find themselves plating extra cash towards their mission-critical programs instead of forking it over in taxes. It’s a fiscal move that could have nonprofits saying “Bon Appétit” to more effective budgeting and amplified community impact.
