The Paycheck Protection Program, through the Small Business Administration, began taking applications Friday, and Rep. Ted Budd last week worked to clarify religious nonprofits were eligible for the program. 

The Paycheck Protection Program gives small business owners who keep their employees on the payroll up to receive eight weeks of cash flow. It’s made possible through the CARES Act, a COVID-19 economic stimulus package.

The 100% federally guaranteed loans provided through the program can be forgiven if used for payroll, mortgage, rent and utilities. 

On Tuesday, Budd requested the SBA to give religious nonprofits equal access to the Paycheck Protection Program, “despite their religious affiliation and activity.” He asked religious-affiliated organizations that receive a loan be permitted to continue to provide services without restrictions on its religious practice.

He also asked to clarify entities that are affiliated with a religious institution, including schools, day care centers and adoption providers be treated as separate entities when determining staff.

“Failing to address this issue could cause religiously affiliated organizations across the country, such as community institutions that are affiliated with their local Catholic parish, to shut down as they lose access to this vital program,” Budd wrote.

The letter was addressed to SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.

Carranza wrote in a tweet Saturday “Faith-based organizations are eligible to participate without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet #CARESact eligibility criteria.”

She followed with another tweet saying faith-based organizations have always provided critical social services for people in need.

Hudson announces new senior staff

U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, announced last month, new senior staff members in his Washington and North Carolina offices.

Former District Director Billy Constangy has been named chief of staff. Constangy, who has worked for Hudson for more than three years, will replace outgoing Chief of Staff Chris Carter. Deputy District Director Georgia Lozier will replace Constangy as district director.

“Billy Constangy is an experienced and dedicated public servant and I have come to rely on his advice and judgement,” Hudson said. “His leadership will ensure our office continues to focus on serving the people of this district.”

Prior to joining Hudson’s staff, Constangy served as a senior staff member under former Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, from 2011-2016, and as a campaign staff member under former Rep. Sue Myrick, R-9, from 2006-2012. Constangy grew up in Charlotte and is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill.

Lozier has worked for North Carolina’s 8^th District since 2009. She worked for former Democratic Rep. Larry Kissell. Lozier grew up in Kannapolis and returned to her native Cabarrus County to raise her family in Concord. She will continue to be based in Rep. Hudson’s Concord office, in addition to maintaining offices in Pinehurst, Fayetteville and Albemarle.

“Georgia Lozier is the best in the business and will stop at nothing to get results for the people of this community,” Hudson said.“I am honored she will lead our North Carolina offices and know she will continue our standard of excellence in constituent service and community outreach.”

Rowan County Elections office looking for poll workers

The Rowan County Board of Elections has begun their call for poll workers for the general election in November.

The county has 41 precincts. Each voting location needs a minimum of seven workers.

Each precinct is staffed with a chief judge, a Democrat and Republican judge and assistants.

The qualifications of a poll worker include being registered to vote in Rowan County, able to read, write and follow directions and knowledgeable of basic computer skills.

Training for poll workers starts in September.

Precinct election officials are paid to attend these training sessions in addition to their Election Day compensation.

To fill out an interest form, visit rowancountync.gov/FormCenter/Board-of-Elections-6/Interest-Form-50.