Congressional lawmakers seek to improve the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the next coronavirus-related measure. The program, which assists small businesses with payroll, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities during the coronavirus pandemic will soon come up for a vote. American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Congressional Relations Director RJ Karney offers furhter insight.
?We expect the House to take up a bill this week. The Senate is expected to vote on its bipartisan bill shortly after getting back into session next week,? Karney said. ?While Farm Bureau is supportive of these bipartisan efforts, Farm Bureau is also working for additional corrections that would allow agricultural producers to more fully participate in the Paycheck Protection Program.?
American Farm Bureau Federation officials ask Congress to ?allow farmers to increase net farm income on their 2019 Schedule F tax form,? as farmers showing a ?zero? or ?negative? net farm income, may not meet eligibility requirements.
?Farm Bureau recommends that farmers be allowed to increase their net-farm income through all rental income, farm equipment trades, breeding livestock, and other documented sources of income,? Karney said. ?There?s also a lot of uncertainty on how H-2A qualifies as an employee for the Paycheck Protection Program. Farm Bureau asks Congress to allow all H-2A workers in the United States to qualify for the program when determining the employee count and for purposes of eligibility.?
Farmers behind such changes are encouraged to contact their representatives.
?We encourage farmers and ranchers to contact their members of Congress, share the concerns they have for the Paycheck Protection Program and what changes are needed, so they can fully participate in the program,? Karney said.
