People are struggling. Congress clearly doesn’t get it. First they used COVID to bail out big corporations and give billionaires a tax break - now they want to funnel taxpayer money to corporate lobbying groups and their advocacy campaigns. (1/9)
Yesterday, @RollCall reported that House Democrats’ latest coronavirus proposal would “expand small business relief” to 501(c)(6) trade associations and 501 (c)(4) social welfare organizations - a change sought by lobbyists. It’s important to understand what they do. (2/9)
Trade orgs are lobbying machines. They hire lobbyists and consultants, fund TV ads, and pay c4 groups to run TV ads. They also host conferences where Congressional leaders give “updates” - and *retired politicians* are paid to speak. Seems relevant to this bailout talk! (3/9)
At least 15 trade groups demanding a bailout from Congress disclosed more than $50 million in revenue in their most recent tax returns, according to data from @propublica. About 140 groups listed $10+ million in total assets. (4/9)
Let’s look at who’s asking for this bailout. The American Chemistry Council, which does things like lobby against stricter regulations on contaminants in drinking water, had $123 million in revenue and $133 million in total assets in 2017. (5/9)
The National Assn of Chain Drug Stores - which reps CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart, had $44M revenue and $97M in total assets in 2017. They... need money? Of course newly-retired politicians Paul Ryan and Jeff Flake spoke at their annual meeting last year. (6/9)
The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, a lobby for auto parts makers, had $17M in revenue and $36M in assets in 2017. They also want assistance. Joe Crowley spoke at their legislative summit last year after his loss to @AOC. (7/9)
So many trade associations and c4 nonprofits spend their days railing against policy solutions that Americans need more than ever - like universal health care, plans to address climate change, and higher wages. It’s shameful that Congress would even consider funding them. (8/9)
As Congress writes the next coronavirus bill, they must focus on American workers who need their help - not lobbying groups that are going to pay them for speeches in a few years. Please support us as we fight back and spread the word today. (9/9) secure.actblue.com/donate/dempoli…
