Virginia Constitution at odds with non profits

by YankeeJim | April 15, 2011 at 12:14 pm

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I actually like this story because it gives to me an opportunity to express my opinion about non-profit organizations.

In my experience, non-profits may be established in the name of a noble purpose, though the organizations are managed and run by people who benefit handsomely from professional compensation. Often, employees work under salary constraints while the “owners” benefit very well.

The issue comes down to this. If there is a societal need that is so great that it warrants public funding, then why does not the government create and staff an organization to provide the services? Why must a non-governmental or quasi governmental organization be created at all?

I have a beef with churches being used as a means of delivering public services too. That just crosses the line from state to church.

The State of Virginia Constitution is correct in stating that the Commonwealth should be in control of managing public services.

“In the January opinion, Cuccinelli (R) held that grants long provided by the state to nonprofit groups violated the plain language of Virginia’s constitution, which forbids the General Assembly from appropriating funds “to any charitable institution which is not owned or controlled by the Commonwealth.”

State lawmakers have for years gotten around the constitution’s language by classifying charities as “historical” or “cultural” agencies.”

Post Exclusive: POST EXCLUSIVE: Virginia freezes funding for nonprofits
April 15, 2011 2:46:21 PM
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Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II says the state's funding of nonprofit groups is unconstitutional. The ruling endangers money for free clinics and childhood health organizations, among other groups.

http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/...MEIK/36/h"