Stefanik cosponsors act to help chambers of commerce amid pandemic

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is cosponsoring the Local Chamber, Tourism, and 501(c)(6) Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to expand the Paycheck Protection Program to include local chambers, tourism marketing organizations, and other 501c6 organizations.

While these organizations are experiencing financial distress, they are currently ineligible for the PPP. This bill would expand eligibility for 501c6s with 300 or fewer employees. Additionally, it would clarify that the compensation of any employee at a covered organization who is a registered federal lobbyist is not eligible for PPP coverage.

“North Country Chambers of Commerce and local tourism agencies are working diligently to provide information and resources to our communities during the COVID-19 crisis,” Stefanik said in a prepared statement. “These organizations are not immune to the financial challenges that businesses and hardworking families are facing across our district during this unprecedented and stressful time. This bipartisan legislation will provide them with PPP eligibility, so they can continue to serve our communities both during this crisis and after we beat COVID-19.”

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