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CPAC is proud to introduce We Are Not Enemies, an initiative of CPAC’s dear friend and host of It’s Not About Us, Elaine Beck. We Are Not Enemies is a year-long program running from November 26, 2023 to November 26, 2024 with the goal of uniting the country in forgiveness. The program calls for a national season of forgiveness to cast out the hate, anger, and division taking hold in Americans’ hearts today. Participation is simple. You can pledge to pray individually every day or with a prayer group. You can promote the program by word of mouth or social media or provide We Are Not Enemies supplies to your local prayer group, friends, and family. No matter how you choose to participate, you will be spreading the message of God’s mercy and sowing greater unity in America. Make your pledge to pray with this grassroots movement and find more information on how you can get involved at wearenotenmies.com.

This week, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) introduced the "End COVID Tyranny Act," comprehensive legislation aimed at reforming the oversight of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The objective is to limit the authority of these government agencies, preventing them from imposing draconian measures in the future. Read more in the New York Post: “Mandates, vaccine passports, forced lockdowns, and further overreach imposed by Joe Biden and his army of federal bureaucrats during the COVID pandemic set an extremely dangerous precedent that still persists to this day,” -Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) Details: Limits public health powers: Bans Mask Mandates for Head Start Programs. Limits the scope of public health authorities to disease control. Prevents vaccine status from effecting eligibility for organ transplantation. Requires congressional approval for public health emergencies lasting longer than ninety days. Requires hospitals to inform patients of their visitation rights. Reforms the CDC And NIH: Requires immediate congressional; appointment of the CDC Director and adds term limits for the CDC and NIH Directors. Ensures public health authorities are only used for disease control and not for non-health related administrative overreach. Requires the CSC Director’s Advisory Committee members be appointed by Congressional leadership and the Comptroller General of the United States. Transfers non-disease control offices from the CDC to the NIH. Requires all NIH-funded foreign laboratories to meet the same animal welfare and cleanliness requirements as domestic laboratories to qualify for NIH funds. "Sen. Eric Schmitt’s ‘End COVID Tyranny Act' is necessary legislation to prevent wannabe tyrants like the next Anthony Fauci from creating new mask mandates on preschoolers, discriminating against those who said no to the COVID jab, and from installing never-ending lockdowns and emergencies.” – CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp CPAC strongly supports this measure and will mobilize our grassroots activists to encourage their Senators to co-sponsor this legislation.

December is an excellent month to consider plans for charitable gifts. These gifts could include an IRA charitable rollover, a gift of cash or a gift of appreciated stock or land. 1. IRA Charitable Rollover — The IRS refers to the IRA charitable rollover as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). An individual age 70½ or older is permitted to make a transfer directly from his or her IRA custodian to a qualified nonprofit. The transfer is not included in taxable income. If the IRA owner is over age 73, the distribution may fulfill part or all of the required minimum distribution (RMD). Because many individuals have invested their IRAs in stocks, bonds or other securities, it may be necessary to exchange the IRA stock or bond accounts for a money market fund prior to the distribution. Most custodians require a QCD to be paid from a money market account or similar fund. There are some limits for the IRA rollover. The IRA owner must be at least age 70½ and the maximum transfer in 2023 is $100,000 ($105,000 in 2024). The transfer must be to a qualified exempt nonprofit and may be for a designated purpose or field of interest fund. However, it may not be to a donor advised fund or supporting organization. In addition, it may not be for a nonprofit dinner or other event that involves a partial benefit to the donor. The entire QCD must be for a qualified charitable purpose. 2. Gifts of Cash — Individuals who itemize deductions may deduct gifts of cash up to 60% of their contribution base, which is usually adjusted gross income (AGI). A couple with $100,000 in income may give and deduct up to $60,000 this year. While the 60% of AGI limit is substantial, some generous individuals give more than this and may carry forward and deduct the excess gift amounts during the next five years. 3. Gifts of Stock — With the increased value of many technology stocks in 2023, many donors find that a gift of appreciated stock is attractive. A gift of appreciated stock provides two benefits. A charitable contribution deduction is based on the fair market value of the stock and there is a bypass tax on the capital gain. If a donor purchased stock five years ago for $10,000 and it is now worth $30,000, the donor could pay capital gains tax on $20,000 if the stock is sold. By giving the stock to a nonprofit, a donor receives a deduction for the $30,000 in value and bypasses the tax on the $20,000 of potential gain. 4. Gifts of Land — With substantial increases in value for real property, many donors will find that a gift of appreciated property is attractive. A gift of appreciated land provides two benefits for the donor. First, the donor may receive a charitable contribution deduction for the fair market value of the land. Second, the donor can bypass tax on the capital gain. If the donor purchased development land 10 years ago for $50,000 and it is now worth $250,000, the donor would pay capital gains tax on $200,000 if he or she sold the property. However, by giving the land to a nonprofit, the donor may receive a deduction for the $250,000 in value and bypass the tax on the $200,000 of potential gain. Because the donor is receiving both the deduction and capital gain bypass benefits, this type of charitable deduction is permitted to 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI). If the gift value is in excess of this limit, it may be carried forward for five additional years. For example, Mary Smith has adjusted gross income of $100,000 this year and makes a gift of appreciated land with fair market value of $80,000. She is able to deduct $30,000 this year, carry forward $50,000 and deduct that amount over the following five years. Editor's Note: Many donors make their largest gifts in November or December. This is a good time to plan ahead and consider options for gifts this year.

Japan was the first international country to welcome a CPAC conference in 2017, and now, we are thrilled to once again bring CPAC to this beautiful country starting December 2, 2023. Each year, for the last six years Japan has embraced CPAC and the conservative message. This year will feature CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp, CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp, CPAC board member Gordon Chang, and many other knowledgeable speakers as the conference tackles the issues of family, politics, and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

As we approach the fifth anniversary of the First Step Act, CPAC’s Nolan Center for Justice wants to reflect on the transformative impact this criminal justice legislation has had on the American prison system. Enacted by the 115th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in December 2018, the First Step Act represents a significant shift towards a more rehabilitative approach to federal incarceration. One of the key provisions of the act mandates the development of a risk and needs assessment system by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), enabling a more individualized and targeted approach to inmate rehabilitation. According to the First Step Annual Report on January 28, 2023, over 13,500 individuals have been released from various facilities, including Residential Reentry Centers and home confinement, through credits earned under the First Step Act. By incentivizing success and offering time credits and benefits, the legislation encourages prisoners to engage in programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism rates. Five years into the implementation of the First Step Act, the positive outcomes are becoming increasingly evident with a recidivism rate of only 12.4%. Additionally, the act has allowed inmates to earn increased good conduct time, fostering a culture of rehabilitation within the prison system. Judges now have greater flexibility in imposing mandatory minimum sentences, promoting fairer and more just outcomes. The act's emphasis on housing inmates closer to home not only facilitates family connections but also supports successful reintegration into society upon release. While challenges persist, the First Step Act stands as a testament to creating a criminal justice system that is not only punitive but also focused on rehabilitation and second chances. As we celebrate its fifth anniversary, it is crucial to recognize the strides made and continue advocating for further reforms that prioritize justice, compassion, and the well-being of all Americans.

For decades, every five years the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy would produce a report assessing the impact of federal regulatory costs to the American economy. When those costs skyrocketed under the Obama Administration, the federal government stopped producing such reports. Thankfully, when Dr. Chad Moutray, the former Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, joined the National Association of Manufacturers, he resurrected this report--and contracted with two of the economists responsible for the analysis to start conducting it for NAM once again. NAM recently released their 2023 report, and the results are both alarming and unsurprising at the same time. Alarming, because of the sheer amount that we are talking about, but unsurprising because the NAM report confirms the assessments and projections of the Center for Regulatory Freedom: that federal regulations currently cost the American economy over $3 trillion per year. When added to the data CRF currently uses for regulatory projections, it adds to our concern that without significant changes to our regulatory trajectory, regulatory costs will be at $7 trillion per year by 2030. NAM's Alarming Findings: NAM's study reveals a startling cost of federal regulations in 2022, estimated at $3.079 trillion, or 12% of the U.S. GDP. This figure surpasses the total economic output of the entire manufacturing sector. Manufacturers, especially smaller ones, face a disproportionate share of this regulatory burden: The average U.S. company spends approximately $13,000 per employee per year on regulatory compliance. For manufacturers, this cost more than doubles to over $29,000 per employee annually. Small manufacturers, with fewer than 50 employees, face the highest costs at an estimated $50,100 per employee per year. The Growing Regulatory Burden: The study indicates a 26% increase in the cost for manufacturing firms since 2012, with the total regulatory burden on this sector now larger than the economies of 29 American states. This highlights the escalating challenge that regulations pose to the sector's sustainability and growth. The Impact on Business Dynamics: According to NAM's study, reducing regulatory costs could significantly enhance competitiveness for manufacturers. Funds saved could be reallocated to employee compensation, hiring, and other growth-oriented initiatives. Sector-Wise Regulatory Costs: The NAM study breaks down regulatory costs by sector, with manufacturing facing the most significant burden. This sectoral analysis provides crucial insights into how different industries are affected by regulatory policies, a point the CRF emphasizes. Conclusion: NAM's study confirms the underlying reasons CRF is engaged in this work and paints a clear picture of the heavy toll federal regulations take on the U.S. economy, particularly on small manufacturers. It calls for a critical reexamination of the regulatory framework, advocating for a system that achieves its intended objectives without impeding economic growth and innovation. These insights serve as a call to policymakers and industry leaders to seek a balance in regulatory practices. If we do not, we will be facing an even-more-massive regulatory burden by 2030.

We are at a critical moment in our nation’s history. CPAC is one of the few conservative organizations in the thick of the battle to save America’s soul. Now it is your time to become a warrior and support CPAC that is fighting everyday on the frontlines to protect our Constitution and our freedoms. We are focused on winning and ensuring that strong conservatives are united nationally and internationally to stop the Marxist ideology from destroying our families and children. Explore all the ways you can support CPAC’s mission here.

While many corporations and organizations are using average Americans’ hard-earned money to fund the anti-Semitic activities of Black Lives Matter, the abortions of employees, and radical racial and sexual ideologies, CPAC is exclusively committed to causes that advance respect for life, family, and freedom. This Giving Tuesday, give to an organization you can trust. Unlike mainstream organizations dictated by and pushing ESG and DEI standards, CPAC does not mock your values. Your values are our values, and we are on the frontlines every day to protect them. Give to an organization that shares and defends your values today at CPAC.org.

Every year CPAC welcomes high school and college students by the numbers, all eager to join the fight to preserve freedom. Students have the unique opportunity to attend CPAC at a special price of $50! This is a great opportunity for young people to engage with the conservative community and network with other like-minded individuals. In order to protect America, we need to ensure that the next generation of leaders are equipped to fight in the ideological battle our country is facing. You, our supporters, have the ability to secure that opportunity for our student attendees. Your donation contributes not only to the great work of CPAC but also to supporting student tickets so that more young people can attend CPAC and join the conservative movement. Visit CPAC.org/ticket/student to secure your ticket and CPAC.org/donate to support the next generation of conservatives.

You have the power to ensure a bright future for up and coming generations of Americans and the conservative movement through Legacy Giving with CPAC. A planned gift means your resources are guaranteed to support the causes of life, liberty, and truth that you believe in and which CPAC works daily to advance. The future of the country currently hangs in the balance, but Legacy Giving can give hope for a free and thriving America to the generations that follow. Learn more about our Legacy Giving options at CPAC.org

Join the CPAC family through our CPAC Membership Circles and advance the fight for freedom. As a CPAC Circle Member you directly contribute to the work of CPAC to keep America free. You also gain access to exclusive updates on CPAC’s work, special events, and interactions with conservative leaders. A CPAC Circle Membership enhances CPAC’s work to save America and forms a nationwide network of active conservatives. Become a CPAC Circle Member today at CPAC.org.

On this Thanksgiving Day, we invite all Americans to join us in praying for our nation and the world. The past year has been challenging for many Americans. We have witnessed countless instances of tyranny, abuse, and corruption in addition to a failing economy and horrific wars around the world. We need to unite in prayer. Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to draw ourselves together in community to God to express our gratitude for the blessings He has bestowed on us and to ask for continued blessings, protection, and forgiveness. As President George Washington penned in the very first Thanksgiving Proclamation, “Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be...that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions”. Let us take this opportunity to return to God as a nation and appreciate the special blessings, opportunities, and comforts that He has granted us through this great country. Most of all, let us ask for God’s mercy to preserve us from evil and reunite us as a God-fearing people once more. From the CPAC family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!