As the country seeks to recover from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression sparked by the Covid-19 virus, it’s time for companies to put the nation’s interest above their own bottom line. A company’s individual pursuit of profit cannot impede the collective recovery of our national economy. Our nation’s financial commitment to restoring our country’s economic health should not fall victim to private rent seeking or short-term profits. There are basic commitments our public companies need to make.

Transparency in seeking and receipt of public funds and accountability in the use of those funds must be the hallmark of acceptance of assistance. Corporations have a responsibility to their shareholders and to the public at-large to forego the immediate advantage that they may enjoy from an absence of governmental oversight in favor of a long-term commitment to responsible corporate stewardship, including complete transparency in interacting with government and government officials.

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