Campaign 2010: Mike Meister, Democrat, Nebraska

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The Chronicle recently asked the major-party candidates for governor in 37 states to answer a series of questions about how they would influence the work of nonprofit groups in their states if they are elected. Below is the response by Mike Meister, a Democratic lawyer who is running for governor of Nebraska.

Please describe any involvement you have had personally with nonprofits (as a board member, volunteer, staff member, etc.).

I am a member of the Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys and was on the board of directors for its [political action committee]. I was an active member of the Jaycees and I have also been involved in community theatre and youth coaching. I have served on various community boards and task forces involving education and parks and recreation.

Please highlight those parts of your platform for governor that you think will most help nonprofits in your state.

Bringing leadership and accountability back to the office. Nonprofits that contract with the state need to be assured that the state is a good partner and will honor the stipulations set forth in our contracts.

Three out of four nonprofit contractors have had to withdraw from state contracts to provide foster care. Recently Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City had to close down due to payment issues with Nebraska’s [Health and Human Services Department].

As governor, I assure the nonprofit community that all contracts will have proper funding and will be fully honored.

Does your state have a government position, office, or cabinet seat that is dedicated to helping nonprofits or promoting volunteerism? If yes, please describe it and say whether you would keep the office or position, or make changes to it.

Yes, ServeNebraska: Mobilizing Nebraskans to Strengthen Their Communities Through Volunteering, Collaboration, and National Service Programs. It is a great program and service to our state and will be kept open.

Many nonprofits have lost revenue because of state budget cuts during the recession. Do you have any proposals to help nonprofits that rely on state-government grants and contracts weather the bad economic times?

As stated above, the first step is to insure the state is good partner and honors its commitments.

Do you expect that as governor you will have to propose budget cuts to balance the state budget in 2011? If so, please explain.

Though cuts are not wanted by anyone, if necessary, they would be made based on impact to the economy and how many people are touched by service being cut.

States are responsible for ensuring that nonprofits and fund raisers register before they solicit charitable contributions through such means as telemarketing and direct mail. Do your state regulators have an adequate budget to perform this task? Are there any areas where you think state regulation of charities needs to be strengthened?

I believe that our Attorney General’s Office does an outstanding job in this area.

Please add any other observations you may have about the relationship between the state government and nonprofits in your state.

Policy makers and elected officials need to remain aware of the unique role that nonprofits have in our communities. Along with being service providers they are also economic contributors and should be recognized for that.

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See responses from other candidates on our Campaign 2010 Web page.

If you have information about how the governor’s race could affect nonprofits in your state, or would like to encourage your state’s candidates to complete our survey, please contact Suzanne Perry at suzanne.perry@philanthropy.com or (202) 466-12