Legislation approved on Wednesday by the U.S. Senate to help spur job growth allows nonprofits to access the same federal tax incentives being created to help small businesses hire new employees. 

The Jewish Federations of North America applauds the Senate for granting non-profits equal access to the new job-building incentives.  Specifically, the Senate bill includes provisions that grant a payroll tax holiday for all employers, including nonprofit entities, that hire certain individuals in 2010 as well as offering an additional tax benefit for firms that retain such individuals for at least one year of employment. 

“Putting people back to work is an important priority that is rightfully taking center stage in Congress and we are thankful that Senators recognized that nonprofits have an important role to play in job creation,” said William C. Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of The Jewish Federations of North America’s Washington office.  

As discussions on how best to spur job growth across the country continue, in addition to preserving non-profit access to the new federal tax incentives, The Jewish Federations continue to advocate for:

• State fiscal relief through an extended increase in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP); 
• Additional funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and the Social Services Block Grant;
• Equal access for nonprofits to federal infrastructure funding;
• And a strengthening of the charitable sector through Charitable Incentives.

“Until unemployment levels decrease, the social safety net for the nation’s must vulnerable will be strained by increased demand and will need help,” said Daroff.  “These provisions will help ensure our nation’s charities can continue to provide assistance to those who need it the most.” 

Today, the Senate approved the jobs bill by a bipartisan vote of 70-28. The U.S. House of Representatives approved its own version of a jobs creation bill in December.