CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today spoke with members of the Community Bankers of West Virginia (CBWV) and the West Virginia Bankers Association (WVBA) on a teleconference call. During the call, Senator Capito provided a coronavirus (COVID-19) update and answered questions on what lenders should expect given the new guidelines set in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which President Donald Trump signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020.

“Talking with community bankers today was so important because I want to make sure these lenders understand the programs created to help individuals and small businesses during this time,” said Senator Capito. “Our community bankers are the first people turned to in order to access capital, and I hope our conversation today helps them better serve their communities.”

“The community bankers in West Virginia appreciate the time the senator took to answer questions and discuss the new small business lending package that is part of the CARES Act. The senator is always interested and willing to discuss industry issues with our community bankers. The senator realizes how important our community banks are to their communities,” said Donna Tanner, executive director of the West Virginia Community Bankers Association.

“Banks in West Virginia are working overtime to help businesses that are struggling right now,” said Sally Cline, president and CEO of the West Virginia Bankers Association. “The West Virginia Bankers Association is grateful to Senator Capito for her leadership role in helping to ensure the passage of the CARES Act, which will be critical to help financially distressed small businesses and families weather this ongoing crisis.”

Senator Capito has hosted multiple teletownhalls of her own, speaking with constituents all across the state about their individual coronavirus concerns. She will continue to hold these regularly in the coming weeks in an effort to hear directly from constituents, while also following social distancing guidelines.

Senator Capito also joined Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin and the City of Charleston for a virtual townhall last night where she answered constituent questions about the federal response to coronavirus.

Over the weekend, Senator Capito participated in a statewide Q&A discussion led by Metro News’ Hoppy Kercheval where she answered questions from West Virginians across the state about the third coronavirus relief package.

Senator Capito launched a page on her website to help bring current and accurate information to West Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to access the webpage for the latest updates and resources.


BACKGROUND ON SENATOR CAPITO’S CORONAVIRUS EFFORTS:

Senator Capito continues to be focused on this issue, particularly in ensuring the appropriate agencies have the funding they need to mitigate the spread of the virus, test those feeling ill, and treat those infected.

Senator Capito has been in touch with the White House directly to express the need for more testing kits and additional flexibility for West Virginia’s hospital as the situation continues to evolve. She spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III Administration Mary Ann Tierney about the need for more supplies for health care workers in West Virginia.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito has made a point to ask the agencies she funds if they are prepared and ready to combat the coronavirus. Below are more details on Senator Capito’s efforts:

  • Met with a number of officials, including:

  • Communicated with West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Secretary Bill Crouch about the state’s testing issues.

  • Spoke with West Virginia Hospital Association President and CEO Joe Letnaunchyn and West Virginia Health Care Association CEO Marty Wright.

  • Voted in favor of the emergency supplemental funding package to help states treat, prevent, and prepare for the Coronavirus. A portion of the funding provided for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is specifically tied to the FY2019 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant awards for states and localities. In West Virginia, this means the state will receive at least $5 million in funding.

  • Voted in favor of a second emergency supplemental funding package to provide economic relief to individuals, small businesses, and families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

  • Voted in favor of a third coronavirus relief package.

  • Attended a senators-only Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee briefing to ask questions directly of leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

  • Spoke with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice about West Virginia’s preparedness and readiness.

  • During two Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearings:

 

Click here for more information on the coronavirus.

 

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