The Buckeye Institute Applauds Sen. Portman in Demanding SBA Extend Second Chance to Small Business Owners
Apr 30, 2020Columbus, OH – On Thursday, Robert Alt, president and chief executive officer of The Buckeye Institute, issued a statement thanking United States Senator Rob Portman of Ohio for his leadership in calling on the Small Business Administration to allow people who have a criminal record but have turned their lives around and started a small business to qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program.
“America is a place where we have always believed that your past should not determine your future, yet too often if that past includes a criminal conviction people are denied opportunities for employment, housing, and—in this case—access to the Paycheck Protection Program, which is helping small businesses stay afloat during an international pandemic and an economic crisis exacerbated by government-mandated closures.”
“Study after study demonstrates that the best way to reduce recidivism is to ensure employment. Unfortunately, the way the SBA program is currently structured leads to reductions in employment for those who most desperately need those jobs.”
“The Buckeye Institute is grateful that our own U.S. Senator Portman stepped up to call on the Small Business Administration to allow people who have paid their debt to society and are trying to rebuild their lives to qualify for a program intended to help small business owners during this crisis. A hearty Buckeye bravo to Senator Portman for standing up for those who have changed their ways and are contributing to society.”
“If restrictions to the program are not lifted, small business owners—particularly minority small business owners—who have turned their lives around will suffer during this economic crisis, as will the people they employ. The Buckeye Institute proudly joins Senator Portman in calling on the SBA to revise this exclusionary rule.”
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