Rep. Davids focuses on fraud victims, securing resources for Kansans during hearing with SBA Administrator

Kansas Representative Sharice Davids focused on victims of fraud and securing resources for Kansas during a hearing with SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman on Wednesday.

Kansas Representative Sharice Davids (D-3) says she focused on helping fraud victims and securing resources for Kansas businesses during a hearing with the Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman on Wednesday. She said Guzman appeared before the House Small Business Committee for the first time to talk about pandemic relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, Restaurant Revitalization Fund and more.

According to Rep. Davids, the programs have been crucial for Kansans, but they have had challenges. She said almost $1 million in fraudulent EIDL loans were taken out in the names of Kansans earlier in 2021. She called on the Administration in February to investigate the claims, and in March fought for it to extend the repayment deadline for non-fraudulent EIDL loans to 2022.

"In February, my office raised concerns with SBA about fraud and abuse in the PPP and EIDL programs, in part because a number of Johnson County residents—which is in the Third District in Kansas—have been the victims of identity theft and fraud that took place in the EIDL program," said Davids. "I have urged SBA to focus on these cases because they are not only a misuse of taxpayer funds, but they also directly and personally impact the constituents in my community."

Davids said she worked with the Small Business Committee to get relief funds to the hardest-hit businesses of the pandemic through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Shuttered Venue Operators Grant programs, and so far, over $2.7 billion has been sent to those in need. However, she said demand for the programs grew to over twice the amount Congress provided, and eligibility requirements unnecessarily excluded some Kansas businesses.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Davids said she has worked to ensure small businesses continue to serve as the heart of Kansas communities. She said she introduced the SUPPLIES Act, which would promote the manufacturing of PPE and medical equipment such as face masks and ventilators at small and medium manufacturers in Kansas.

Davids said she has also been an advocate for minority and tribal-owned businesses by working with the SBA to secure funds through PPP for the underserved business owners. Additionally, she said her office continues its commitment to helping those that have experienced issues with fraudulent loans and encourages them to call her district office at 913-621-0832 if they need help reporting claims.