Urges SBA Administrator to Protect Religious Freedom, Ensure Religious Organizations Receive COVID-19 Relief
HOUSTON, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today sent a letter to Jovita Carranza, Administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA), expressing concerns about how the Payroll Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is being administered in a way that undermines existing protections for religious organizations.
As Sen. Cruz wrote:
“The Payroll Protection Act (PPA) section of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) temporarily extends eligibility to participate in section 7(a) of the Small Business Act to ‘nonprofit organizations,’ including religious organizations. […] Congress enacted this extension because nonprofit organizations in need of section 7(a) loan assistance to make payroll during this crisis must be able to receive the same assistance as for-profit organizations.
“But I am concerned that the section 7(a) program is currently being administered in a way that demands religious organizations make an unconscionable choice: forgo assistance or compromise their religious practices and values.”
He added:
“No religious organization should have to cast aside its religious convictions to receive help in this crisis. […] I urge you to take immediate steps to ensure that religious organizations can both access the loan program and maintain their religious freedom.”
Read the full letter here and below.
For COVID-19 information and additional resources, visit www.cruz.senate.gov/coronavirus/.
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