CHARLESTON — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., on Wednesday 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 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.

“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,” Capito said. “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.”