Statement from Charlotte Haberaecker,
President and CEO of Lutheran Services in America
in response to today’s Senate passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748)
March 25, 2020
“While we are eager to fully review the entire legislation just passed, the U.S. Senate did the right thing in today’s vote on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act when they ensured that many nonprofits receiving Medicaid funding will be eligible for SBA loans with loan forgiveness to support their work helping so many people in need during this pandemic. This is a crucial part of this third Congressional relief package, given how many nonprofits like our 300 health and human services organizations are on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. These dedicated Lutheran social ministry organizations are working around the clock caring for one in 50 Americans in need, in over 1,400 communities in 46 states across the country – a charge made all the more difficult given the ongoing pandemic dramatically affecting the people our organizations care for.
“Additional funding resources will be absolutely critical in the months to come. This is particularly vital when considering many of our Lutheran social ministry organizations are helping people affected by the pandemic while in crisis mode; they are lacking personal protective equipment, incurring additional expenses, and struggling with limited cash reserves and already-tight margins.
“We are eager to learn the outcome of the upcoming, related coronavirus relief package vote in the House, and ask that in future legislation lawmakers ensure that nonprofits with over 500 employees who currently are not eligible for SBA zero-interest loans and other funds also are provided with speedy alternative funding sources. We are seeing firsthand how people’s lives throughout America are depending on needed measures like these during this difficult time.”
For further information or additional comment from Charlotte Haberaecker, contact Jen Beltz at (202) 499-5846.
About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is the national network of Lutheran social ministry organizations — connecting over 300 health and human services nonprofit service providers located throughout the country. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s largest nonprofits, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $22 billion in annual revenue and over 250,000 member employees. Together, the network lifts up the nation’s most vulnerable people from children to seniors — making a difference in the lives of one in 50 Americans every year. To learn more, please visit www.lutheranservices.org.
