White farmers seeking loan forgiveness sue U.S. government CBSNews © / Getty Images Soya bean farmer in field with tractor, wiping brow, Indiana, USA
A group of Midwestern farmers sued the federal government Thursday alleging they can t participate in a COVID-19 loan forgiveness program because they re White.
The group of plaintiffs includes farmers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Ohio. According to the lawsuit, the Biden administration s COVID-19 stimulus plan provides $4 billion to forgive loans for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who are Black, American Indian, Hispanic, Alaskan native, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
COVID relief plan includes aid for Black and minority farmers
White farmers sue seeking government loan forgiveness | News, Sports, Jobs
vindy.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from vindy.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Midwestern farmers sue federal government, alleging they aren t eligible for COVID-19 loan forgiveness because they re white
chicagotribune.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from chicagotribune.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Apr 29, 2021 3:01 PM EDT
MADISON, Wis. (AP) A group of Midwestern farmers sued the federal government Thursday alleging they can’t participate in a COVID-19 loan forgiveness program because they’re white.
The group of plaintiffs includes farmers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota and Ohio. According to the lawsuit, the Biden administration’s COVID-19 stimulus plan provides $4 billion to forgive loans for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who are Black, American Indian, Hispanic, Alaskan native, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
White farmers aren’t eligible, amounting to a violation of the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights, the lawsuit contends.
“Were plaintiffs eligible for the loan forgiveness benefit, they would have the opportunity to make additional investments in their property, expand their farms, purchase equipment and supplies, and otherwise support their families and local communities,” the lawsuit said.