Capito answers Community Bank questions, works to help lenders aid their communities

CHARLESTON — 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.