CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today spoke with members of the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (WVADA), the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA), the Independent Oil and Natural Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGAWV), and the West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) on teleconference calls where she provided an update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. During the call, Senator Capito heard from small business owners and others about their concerns, answered questions, and provided an update on how the third coronavirus relief package—which passed the Senate last Wednesday evening and President Donald Trump signed into law on Friday, March 27, 2020—will aid them during this uncertain time.

“I am glad to talk with such a diverse group of businesses from our state and help explain how provisions of the CARES Act benefit West Virginia,” said Senator Capito. “We are at a pivotal point in this pandemic, and each of us has a responsibility in West Virginia’s path forward. I will continue to be a steadfast partner for West Virginia businesses on the federal level as we work together during this difficult and uncertain time.”

“I would like to thank Senator Capito for taking time out of her busy schedule to speak with and answer questions from West Virginia’s franchised car dealers. WVADA greatly appreciates the hard work Senator Capito is doing in Washington for WV’s small businesses,” said Jared Wyrick, president of the West Virginia Automobile Dealers Association.

“We thank Senator Capito for answering our questions today,” said Anne Blankenship, president of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association. “Oil and natural gas businesses across the state will be needing extra help during these uncertain times. We appreciate Senator Capito continuing to fight for our workers today and every day in Washington.”  

“The Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia has enjoyed a long and very positive relationship with Senator Capito, and this represents another example of her continued outreach on behalf of small businesses in times of unprecedented turmoil in our state and nation. Given the senator’s busy schedule, it is quite commendable she took the time to speak directly with some of our oil and natural gas producing members, hear their concerns, and provide reassurance that what they do is vital to providing surety and stability to Nation’s energy needs. I wish to thank Senator Capito personally for her continued efforts on behalf of all West Virginia businesses and their workers,” said Charlie Burd, executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia.

“West Virginia physicians are honored to continue our excellent working relationship with Senator Capito. She and her staff are always eager to address the needs of patients and their physicians. The town hall provided an excellent opportunity for Senator Capito and our members to interact,” said Danny Scalise, executive director of the West Virginia State Medical Association.

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

Additionally, 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.

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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