Nonprofits urge Congress to negotiate relief to support Kentuckians

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Close to a dozen nonprofits hosted a virtual meeting Thursday, to give an update on services being provided to Kentuckians and what help is still needed from Congress.

Danielle Clore, Executive Director and CEO for Kentucky Nonprofit Network, led the meeting. Clore said the CARES Act, enacted in March, was a lifeline for Kentuckians as well as the nonprofit and business communities.

“At the time, everyone thought the virus would fade,” said Clore. With the pandemic ongoing, Clore said, “Our lives and economy remain at severe risk.”

Clore says the money has now run out and nonprofits are again facing layoffs and closures, “Nonprofits are businesses too.”

Clore says nonprofits are the fourth largest employer in Kentucky with $7.5 billion in annual wages.

For the consumer, Clore added that without help, “vital services and programs could disappear.” Clore says that can result in “life and death” situations for Kentuckians.

Clore, along with several other nonprofits, shared four asks of Sen. Mitch McConnell and the congressional delegation.

First, Clore hopes Congress will continue an emergency funding program by enabling a second round of paycheck protection rounds and appropriating funds to state and local governments that depend on nonprofits.

Second, Clore said they hope Congress extends loan programs to midsize and large nonprofits of over 500 employees. Third, they hope Congress strengthens charitable giving. And finally, Clore says they want Congress to provide full federal unemployment coverage by increasing it to 100% of costs.

Nine speakers, in addition to Clore, shared personal stories communicating the urgent need for federal relief to address food and housing insecurity, health care, child care, education and more.

According to the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, hundreds of state nonprofit organizations have sent letters to Kentucky’s Congressional delegation in April, June and July recognizing the important lifelines provided in the CARES Act and reiterated the need for more relief is urgent and critical to helping nonprofits continue to help Kentuckians in need.

Clore encourages nonprofits to continue reaching out to Congress and sharing their experiences on social media.

Thursday’s virtual meeting was hosted by: Kentucky Nonprofit Network, Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges & Universities, Family & Children’s Place, Fund for the Arts, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky, Hosparus Health, Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Kentucky Voices for Health, Kentucky YMCA State Alliance, LexArts, Markey Cancer Foundation, Metro United Way, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, New Vista, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.