A new poll by a left-leaning advocacy group suggests most people would be opposed to expanding federal relief for COVID-19 to 501(c)(6) groups if the money goes to organizations that lobby on behalf of large businesses.

The poll of nearly 1,400 people by the Democratic Policy Center found that 47% of respondents either somewhat or strongly opposed extending coronavirus relief funds to local chambers of commerce and "large corporate lobbying groups in Washington, D.C." Only 36% of respondents supported the expansion.

At the same time, 48% of respondents said they would oppose extending relief to local chambers of commerce and tourism boards if the money could also go to corporate lobbying groups, "including groups that lobby for drug manufacturers, health insurance companies and oil and gas producers." Only 34% supported the policy.

DPC is a 501(c)(4) organization that champions progressive causes such as single-payer health care, campaign finance reforms and the Green New Deal. The group has been critical of efforts by the association community to expand the federal Paycheck Protection Program to 501(c)(6) groups, which were left out because of Small Business Administration rules on how the money can be allocated.

DPC's main issue with the proposal is that business groups with a primary focus on lobbying—such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Petroleum Institute—would be eligible for PPP loans should the change take place.

"Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and can't afford their rent," DPC said in a May 19 tweet. "It's disturbing that so many members of Congress want to use COVID as an excuse to further enrich lobbying groups."

ASAE has been leading the effort to expand PPP eligibility and plans to hold a virtual fly-in the week of June 15 to advocate on the issue. In a statement to CEO Update, ASAE Director of Public Policy Chris Vest took issue with the framing of the poll's questions, saying the use of the term "large corporate lobbying groups" is a "gross mischaracterization and demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of what associations actually do."

The "reality is that associations—whether trade association or professional society—spend on average about 5% of their resources on advocacy, including lobbying," he said. Most association resources are allocated to workforce education, certification, creating product and safety standards, and helping members in times of crisis, among other things.

"Associations have, to date, been left to their own devices to survive during COVID-19 while at the same time delivering support and resources to the industries and professions they represent," Vest said.

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