On April 27, a bipartisan group of 18 U.S. senators urged expanding eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program to include 501(c)(6) organizations in the next coronavirus relief package. If your senator supported this effort, please take the time to thank them through ABC’s Action Alert.

In a letter to Senate leaders and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Joe Manchin III (D-W. Va.) wrote, “Unfortunately, local trade and professional associations organized under § 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code are ineligible for assistance through the lending programs included in this legislation. Given the crucial role these organizations play in sustaining the Main Street economy, and the severe financial difficulties they are confronting, we strongly support their inclusion in the next round of federal aid for coronavirus relief.”

The letter was also signed by John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Angus King Jr. (I-Maine), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

ABC has continued to advocate for expansion of the PPP, as the CARES Act allows for some nonprofits to apply for the PPP, but excludes 501(c)(6) organizations, such as national, state and local associations, from accessing these loans. The inclusion of 501(c)(6) organizations in the program means ABC chapters can benefit from PPP loans.

Read more about ABC’s previous advocacy for expanding PPP to 501(c)(6) organizations in Newsline.