Rep. Cleaver Calls For Religious Institutions, Nonprofits To Be Included In Coronavirus Stimulus Package
(Kansas City, MO) – United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) has called on Congressional leadership to include support for religious institutions and nonprofits in any final coronavirus aid package. In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Cleaver wrote:
"Religious institutions and other nonprofits are among those on the front lines protecting the most vulnerable segments of our communities—offering aid and comfort to all of our constituents during this time of crisis…I would urge you all, as you work to finalize a thoughtful and comprehensive package, to include sufficient support to religious institutions and nonprofits so they may continue to meet their call to service within our communities."
Religious institutions and other nonprofits make up approximately 10 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP) and employ approximately 12 million workers. They are a vital component of the American economy, and tend to care for the most vulnerable members of our communities. During the Financial Crisis of 2008, according to reporting from the National Council of Nonprofits and Nonprofit Financial Fraud, religious institutions and other nonprofits saw an increased demand for services accompanied with escalating operating costs and decreasing revenues. Similar to our midsized and small businesses, small and midsized religious institutions and nonprofits suffered the worst. Cleaver believes any stimulus package must include support for religious institutions and nonprofits, so that they may remain open to care for communities across the country.
According to Nonprofit Connect, there are currently over 12,500 nonprofits registered in the Greater Kansas City Area. When looking at the economic impact of nonprofits on Kansas City, it's easy to see why it is critical for Congress to include support for nonprofits in any coronavirus aid package. Nonprofits in Kansas City are responsible for:
- Over 14% of Kansas City's GDP
- 11.3% of Kansas City's total workforce
- $5 billion in salaries and benefits
- $275 million in payroll taxes
- 8% of all wages paid in the KC area
It's also important to note that 8 of the 10 largest nonprofit organizations in the metro KC are health-related, which are critical to fighting the coronavirus pandemic and will undoubtedly face financial strain in the coming weeks and months.
"As COVID-19 continues its physical and psychological devastation of the American population, like all other times of crisis, men and women are understandably looking for some divine intrusion into our affairs," said Congressman Cleaver. "The phrase, ‘The Dearest Place on Earth,' was coined as a representation of the Church by the late preaching powerhouse, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, and is true of Synagogues, Temples, Mosques, and all other places of worship. This is where they turn in a time of trouble and turbulence. This is such a time."
You can find Rep. Cleaver's official letter here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.
