Senator Harmon receives legislative champion award from the Illinois state alliance of YMCAs

SPRINGFIELD, IL--February 14, 2011 -- State Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, received the “Legislative Champion Award” from the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs for his efforts to protect non-profits’ tax exempt status.

The Award was presented to Harmon by The West Cook YMCA’s CEO, Jan Pate at the annual YMCA Advocacy Day in Springfield recently.

“Senator Harmon understands the need to nurture non-profit organizations, particularly the YMCA, to maximize impact in the community,” Pate said. “His actions both locally and in Springfield have helped every Y throughout Illinois make the most of their charitable contributions by keeping costs to a minimum.”

This year the General Assembly considered a fee increase for swimming pool licenses that would have included non-profit entities such as YMCAs in the original draft. Registered non profits are traditionally granted a waiver for such a fee. Harmon contacted The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs to discuss the impact this legislation would have on Ys throughout the state. Upon discussions with the Y, Harmon filed an amendment to exclude non-profits from the fee.

Organizations defined as 501c3s by the federal government are exempt from taxation. YMCAs, like all other tax-exempt organizations, must use all revenue in bettering the community. Taxes and fees on YMCAs would be taken directly from scholarship funds, which allow Ys to provide the critical services of child care, after school, and wellness programs regardless of ability to pay.

“Organizations like YMCAs play an important role in our community,” Harmon said. “Many youth and adults are given the opportunity to challenge themselves in sports, improve their health, and take an active role in the community because of programs offered at the YMCA. The YMCA proves their charitable status through programs and opportunities everyday.”

The YMCA Legislative Champion Award is given to state legislators who have lead a statewide policy effort that enables YMCAs to continue their mission to promote youth development, health and wellness and social responsiblity.

The Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs represents 50 Corporate YMCAs and serves more than 857,000 children and adults throughout the state. In 2009 the YMCA gave away over $4 million in scholarships to individuals who could not afford to participate in our activities.