WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on National Religious Freedom Day, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) introduced the Fair Assistance and Impartial Treatment of Help (FAITH) in Small Business Act.This legislation would ensure that faith-based small businesses are treated equally regardless of religious status, as the U.S. Constitution requires, and be allowed to participate in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) business loans and programs. "Excluding small businesses based on the owner’s religion is vehemently un-American and a violation of the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment," said Rep. Tracey Mann. "Our nation was founded on the freedom to practice your religion without fear of persecution or exclusion. I'm proud to introduce the FAITH in Small Business Act, which will ensure that all small businesses are treated equally regardless of their religious beliefs. I will always fight to protect the religious liberties of Kansans and Americans." The FAITH in Small Business Act would ensure that all faith-based businesses are not excluded from SBA lending and assistance programs. Currently, faith-based businesses, or “businesses principally engaged in teaching, instructing, counseling or indoctrinating religion or religious beliefs, whether in a religious or secular setting,” are ineligible from participating in certain SBA programs. Rep. Mann serves on the House Small Business Committee. Rep. Mann represents the First Congressional District of Kansas. The Big First District is home to more than 200,000 small businesses, and more than 80% of employees in the district are employed by small businesses.
Click hereto view the full text of the legislation.
Click here to view Rep. Mann’s Commitment to the Big First.
### | 