After lobbying, Catholic Church won $1.4 billion in coronavirus aid

[DaEagles4Life]

What in the flying F is this 

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/catholic-church-coronavirus-aid-lobbying/

 

[Green Dog]

Yup, and used the money to pay for sexual abuse and molestation charges.

 

[PoconoDon]

Unequivocally, THE MOST successful Corporation of the past 2000 years.

[Mike31mt]

how are they supposed to exist when the government will not allow them to operate?

buildings need maintenance, priests need to eat, bills need paid. If the Govt didnt force them to close their doors, they wouldnt need the aid.  Seems fair to me

[mayanh8]

^^^^^

[20dawk4life]

16 minutes ago, Mike31mt said:

how are they supposed to exist when the government will not allow them to operate?

buildings need maintenance, priests need to eat, bills need paid. If the Govt didnt force them to close their doors, they wouldnt need the aid.  Seems fair to me

Do you think mosques and synagogues should receive a similar payment? 

[Mike31mt]

11 minutes ago, 20dawk4life said:

Do you think mosques and synagogues should receive a similar payment? 

if the government mandated that any entity's source of livelihood was basically illegal, then that entity deserves to be compensated by the govt

the catholic church's source of income was taken away by the govt.  Are you in favor of the govt shutting down churches?

[Tnt4philly]

36 minutes ago, Mike31mt said:

how are they supposed to exist when the government will not allow them to operate?

buildings need maintenance, priests need to eat, bills need paid. If the Govt didnt force them to close their doors, they wouldnt need the aid.  Seems fair to me

You socialists make me sick. 

[20dawk4life]

7 minutes ago, Mike31mt said:

if the government mandated that any entity's source of livelihood was basically illegal, then that entity deserves to be compensated by the govt

the catholic church's source of income was taken away by the govt.  Are you in favor of the govt shutting down churches?

In this case I think they had to just to protect people from themselves. I have no problem with the payments to any and all religious establishments. I was just curious if you would feel the same if it was going to mosques or synagogues. 

[iladelphxx]

3 hours ago, 20dawk4life said:

In this case I think they had to just to protect people from themselves. I have no problem with the payments to any and all religious establishments. I was just curious if you would feel the same if it was going to mosques or synagogues. 

All of them did.... The Church of Scientology got money too. 

 

[NOTW]

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/07/9904175/famous-ppp-loan-recipients-sba-list

A List Of Rich & Famous People Who Got Small Business Loans From The Government

When Congress passed the CARES Act back in March, it granted $669 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan intended to help small businesses maintain their payroll. The loan is special in that it’s fully forgiven if at least 60% of it is used on payroll costs, as it was designed specifically to prevent layoffs during a time of historic unemployment. MarketWatch reported this week, however, that over 500,000 businesses received the PPP yet retained zero jobs — leaving questions about how the government will make sure that the funds are being used properly.

On Monday, the Small Business Administration — which implements the PPP — released data on who exactly had received a helping hand. And some recipients in particular raised eyebrows, given their apparent celebrity wealth or powerful political connections. Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of some recognizable names that have received COVID-19 relief from the government.

Kanye West

Among the biggest PPP-related headlines this week is the news that Yeezy, the fashion line of nascent presidential candidate Kanye West, had received millions in PPP loans. Kanye became a billionaire earlier this year and recently secured a ten-year collaboration with Gap.

Pearl Jam and other rockers

Classic rock band Pearl Jam also received a loan of somewhere between $350,000 to $1 million in order to help pay its touring company employees. Other famous musicians to receive the PPP are The Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, Imagine Dragons, Tool, Nickelback, and My Chemical Romance, according to Rolling Stone.

Jeff Koons

Reportedly one of the richest artists alive, Jeff Koons received $1 to $2 million in PPP loans. Last year, one of his works was sold for $91 million to Robert E. Mnuchin — yes, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s father.

Soho House

Soho House is a ritzy private members club with locations around the world and a valuation of $2 billion. An annual membership in the U.S. is over $2,000, unless you’re under 30, and then it’s slightly less than that. The data released by the Small Business Administration shows that Soho House chapters have received up to $22 million in loans. 

Major restaurant chains

The restaurant industry has undoubtedly been hit hard by the pandemic — but much of the worry has been for restaurants that aren’t major chains with locations all around the country. After all, the PPP is intended to help small businesses. But famous chains like TGI Fridays and P.F. Chang’s have also received loans to help them get by during this difficult time.

The Church of Scientology and other religious institutions

The Daily Beast reports that three branches of the controversial and ultra-rich Church of Scientology received PPP loans. But it was far from the only religious organization to receive government aid. According to Newsweek, "nearly 10,000 Catholic churches to hundreds of Jewish groups, received 88,411 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans since the program began April 3.” The Diocese of San Bernardino received between $5 to $10 million in loans. The diocese is currently facing legal proceedings on allegations of sexual abuse by one of its priests, and a report released last year named over 80 clergy members who have been accused of sexual abuse.

Ayn Rand Institute

The institute founded on the ideas of Objectivist thinker Ayn Rand, who believed government handouts were immoral and who influenced Libertarianism in the U.S., received a check from the government — as well as a lot of mocking and backlash for accepting it. Tal Tsfany, president and CEO of the Ayn Rand Institute, responded in a YouTube video that "all of us are forced to support the welfare state whether we agree with it or not. If the government offers to return some of the money taken from us by force, each of us is entitled to reclaim some of what was taken.”

Family of Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Mitch McConnell’s wife

A business run by Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao’s family — specifically her father and sister — has received between $350,000 to $1 million, saving 38 jobs according to the company. Elaine Chao has been married to current Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, since 1993. McConnell and the Senate have so far opposed proposals including a second direct stimulus payment to Americans, though on Monday he said a second stimulus check was now possible.

Paul Pelosi, Nancy Pelosi’s husband

A company that Paul Pelosi, husband of the Speaker of the House, is an investor in also received PPP money between $350,000 to $1 million. According to USA Today, he’s a "minor, passive investor” with an 8.1% stake in the company and didn’t realize it had applied for a PPP loan.

Various people connected to President Trump

People are wondering whether favoritism played a factor in some businesses receiving the PPP loan. Several businesses that Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have been connected to got some federal relief aid, including Observer, a media company that Kushner was once in charge of. Now his brother-in-law runs it. A lettuce farm backed by Don Jr. has reportedly also received some PPP money too.

Since the PPP first launched, big public companies revealed to be taking a PPP loan have faced criticism. Notably, it led food chains like Shake Shack and Ruth’s Chris Steak House to announce that they would return the loan. They were able to receive it because, while being a small business technically means you employ fewer than 500 employees, a loophole allowed franchises in the food and accommodations industries to receive the loan if they had fewer than 500 employees per location. Media company Axios also announced that it was returning its PPP loan in late April. NBCNews has a running list of companies that are returning their loans.

The scrutiny over which well-known people, companies, and organizations have received federal COVID-19 aid is coming at a moment when economic inequality is at the forefront of the national conversation. While it’s true that not every company with ties to a rich, well-connected person is thriving financially, the PPP data shows how relatively easy it is for bigger companies to receive a loan that, in spirit, was created to help independently owned small businesses without deep-pocketed investors or VC firms backing them. There have also been reports that businesses tied to politicians who voted against publicly disclosing PPP data received some loans.

Still, the PPP isn’t finished yet — there’s still around $130 billion left to be distributed. While the original deadline for PPP applications was June 30th, the deadline has been extended to August 8th.

 

[lynched1]

5 hours ago, PoconoDon said:

Unequivocally, THE MOST successful Corporation of the past 2000 years.

Ain't that the Fing truth?

 

[lynched1]

27 minutes ago, NOTW said:

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/07/9904175/famous-ppp-loan-recipients-sba-list

A List Of Rich & Famous People Who Got Small Business Loans From The Government

When Congress passed the CARES Act back in March, it granted $669 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan intended to help small businesses maintain their payroll. The loan is special in that it’s fully forgiven if at least 60% of it is used on payroll costs, as it was designed specifically to prevent layoffs during a time of historic unemployment. MarketWatch reported this week, however, that over 500,000 businesses received the PPP yet retained zero jobs — leaving questions about how the government will make sure that the funds are being used properly

 

This and their next "stimulus" is why they keep pushing the Covid paranoia. Give a $1200 bribe to the masses so they can handout trillions to the wealthy. 

The next one has awesome written all over it!

 

[Boogyman]

7 hours ago, Mike31mt said:

how are they supposed to exist when the government will not allow them to operate?

buildings need maintenance, priests need to eat, bills need paid. If the Govt didnt force them to close their doors, they wouldnt need the aid.  Seems fair to me

Seems fair? Fair would be if they paid taxes

[Bill]

8 hours ago, Mike31mt said:

how are they supposed to exist when the government will not allow them to operate?

buildings need maintenance, priests need to eat, bills need paid. If the Govt didnt force them to close their doors, they wouldnt need the aid.  Seems fair to me

 

7 hours ago, Mike31mt said:

if the government mandated that any entity's source of livelihood was basically illegal, then that entity deserves to be compensated by the govt

the catholic church's source of income was taken away by the govt.  Are you in favor of the govt shutting down churches?

 So pimps and drug dealers should get money, too?

After all, the government mandated that their source of livelihood is illegal. 

[20dawk4life]

1 hour ago, Bill said:

 

 So pimps and drug dealers should get money, too?

After all, the government mandated that their source of livelihood is illegal. 

They would or did get money. 

[mayanh8]

Religious institutions fight tooth and nail to be tax exempt. 

So, naturally, our resident free market advocates see it fit that they get bailed out with taxpayer money.

[Mike31mt]

10 hours ago, Tnt4philly said:

You socialists make me sick. 

Socialists??

The government forced the churches and schools to close

You anti-religous authoritarians make me sick.  

 

You making a reference to socialism just makes your hardcore anti-religous zealotry obvious.  

11 hours ago, mayanh8 said:

^^^^^

As usual you have nothing to offer

[Mike31mt]

4 hours ago, Boogyman said:

Seems fair? Fair would be if they paid taxes

What does that have to do with anything?

The govt literally made it illegal for their schools and churches to be opened. How is a priest supposed to feed himself?  How is the church supposed to pay the water bill?   Magic??

 

[Mike31mt]

3 hours ago, Bill said:

 

 So pimps and drug dealers should get money, too?

After all, the government mandated that their source of livelihood is illegal. 

Comparing churches to pimps and drug dealers???

Epic stupid take.  

Catholicism operates charities, hospitals, schools, etc ...but yeah thats the same as a drug dealer.   

I lose faith in humanity when I hear dumb ish like this

 

[rambo]

1 hour ago, mayanh8 said:

Religious institutions fight tooth and nail to be tax exempt. 

So, naturally, our resident free market advocates see it fit that they get bailed out with taxpayer money.

So every non-profit organization would have been screwed under that premise.

[Tnt4philly]

1 hour ago, Mike31mt said:

Socialists??

The government forced the churches and schools to close

You anti-religous authoritarians make me sick.  

 

You making a reference to socialism just makes your hardcore anti-religous zealotry obvious.  

I realize the government forced them to close and I am against that. However, two wrongs do not make a right. I stand by the church in their fight to remain separate from the state and to not pay taxes. They can’t have it both ways. 

And while I have had some hardcore anti religious views in the past, I have resolved my issues with religion as long as people use it to be a better person. 
 

If you think I am an authoritarian, then you either don’t know what it means or have not been paying attention. 

[Ace Nova]

The Catholic Church is the single biggest charitable organization in the world.   What do you guys think the Catholic Church does with that money?  
 

It helps subsidize the very same social safety nets that liberals petition Congress for.

The Catholic School system alone cuts public education costs down by the BILLIONS. (Yes, that means you pay less taxes thanks to the Catholic School system) 
 

 Yet some criticize the Catholic Church every chance they get.  It’s beyond ironic. 

[Ace Nova]

17 hours ago, PoconoDon said:

Unequivocally, THE MOST successful Corporation of the past 2000 years.

 

11 hours ago, lynched1 said:

Ain't that the Fing truth?

 

 

9 hours ago, Boogyman said:

Seems fair? Fair would be if they paid taxes

 

6 hours ago, mayanh8 said:

Religious institutions fight tooth and nail to be tax exempt. 

So, naturally, our resident free market advocates see it fit that they get bailed out with taxpayer money.

 

3 hours ago, Tnt4philly said:

I realize the government forced them to close and I am against that. However, two wrongs do not make a right. I stand by the church in their fight to remain separate from the state and to not pay taxes. They can’t have it both ways. 

And while I have had some hardcore anti religious views in the past, I have resolved my issues with religion as long as people use it to be a better person. 
 

If you think I am an authoritarian, then you either don’t know what it means or have not been paying attention. 

The Catholic Church is the largest private provider of health care in the United States of America.^[42]  (All of it non-profit)

During the 1990s, the church provided about one in six hospital beds in America, at around 566 hospitals, many established by nuns.^[41] The church has carried a disproportionate number of poor and uninsured patients at its facilities and the American bishops first called for universal health care in America in 1919. The church has been an active campaigner in that cause ever since.^[41] In the abortion debate in America, the church has sought to retain the right not to perform abortions in its health care facilities.^[41] In 2012, the church operated 12.6% of hospitals in the US, accounting for 15.6% of all admissions, and around 14.5% of hospital expenses (c. 98.6 billion dollars). Compared to the public system, the church provided greater financial assistance or free care to poor patients, and was a leading provider of various low-profit health services such as breast cancer screenings, nutrition programs, trauma, and care of the elderly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_and_health_care#:~:text=The Catholic Church is the,the United States of America.&text=In 2012%2C the church operated,98.6 billion dollars).

 

First, much appreciation was expressed for the Trump administration’s inclusion of faith-based institutions in the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This has allowed many Catholic schools to keep its teachers, bus-drivers, and other staff on the payroll (for now). This was a huge victory for people of all faiths — to be treated as equal partners in America’s public square, as the Supreme Court affirmed is proper in Trinity Lutheran v. Comer. When it came to the PPP, the Trump administration made clear that we’re all in this together. 

While the PPP helped schools survive in the short-term, many will soon again be on the brink of closure, and the cardinals on the phone call were sounding the alarm bells. The most vulnerable Catholic schools are those in urban areas that serve the most vulnerable children. Public schools in these neighborhoods will chug along with government support. Catholic schools, however, rely on the charitable support of the community and the ability of parents to be able to scrape together the tuition. They’re at risk. So are their students.

 

Why should the president — or other non-Catholics for that matter — care about the fate of Catholic schools? The answer to this question clearly caught President Trump’s attention on the call: Catholic schools save the taxpayers $24 billion a year. Yes, $24 billion.

The math is simple. The average per-pupil cost of a public-school education is about $12,000 annually. (The average per-pupil cost at Catholic schools is $5,847). Two million children educated in Catholic schools, two million children the public does not pay to educate. That’s a whopping $24 billion savings every year for taxpayers.

https://thehill.com/opinion/education/496409-catholic-schools-are-at-risk-and-so-are-the-students#:~:text=Two million children educated in,than their public-school counterparts.

 

Catholic Charities is a network of charities with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2005 Forbes magazine ranked it as the fifth largest charity in the United States in terms of total revenue.[3] The organization serves millions of people a year, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. In 2019, 12 million persons were served at more than 2600 locations.[4] 

 

Next to the federal government, Catholic Charities is the largest US social-safety-net provider.

Catholic Charities USA is a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations.[5] Catholic Charities USA is the national office of 165 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.

Founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities, the organization changed its name in 1986 to Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA).[6] CCUSA's president and CEO, Sister Donna Markham OP, Ph.D., is the first female president to lead CCUSA in the organization's 105-year history. She has held this position since 2015.[7]

Their motto is "Working to reduce poverty in America". Their mission statement is "The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same."[8]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Charities_USA

In 1990, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops commissioned CCUSA to respond to disasters in the United States. Relief and recovery services are provided at the local level by Catholic Charities agencies across the country. These agencies provide critical services including emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support. CCUSA's Disaster Operations coordinates the Catholic Church's response to disasters in the United States and grants relief funds to local Catholic Charities agencies to support their relief efforts. Catholic Charities has responded to disasters across the country, including the attacks on September 11,[11] Hurricanes Katrina and Rita,[12] the Gulf Coast oil spill,[13] and the impact of Superstorm Sandy.[14]

 

 

 

 

[Green Dog]

5 hours ago, Mike31mt said:

What does that have to do with anything?

The govt literally made it illegal for their schools and churches to be opened. How is a priest supposed to feed himself?  How is the church supposed to pay the water bill?   Magic??

He does have a point.  

Paying out huge settlements for clergy sex-abuse scandals can get quite expensive over time.  That donation bowl only covers so much...