WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today spoke with the West Virginia Association of Counties (WVACo), the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia, and the West Virginia Municipal League to provide an update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and hear directly from local governments about their needs to tackle this pandemic.

“The Phase Three coronavirus bill was crafted specifically with small businesses and local economies in mind,” said Senator Capito. “The resources made available will give communities the flexibility they need to triage both overworked local hospitals and anxious small businesses. I am amazed—though not surprised—at the care and selflessness of everyday West Virginians coming together during this time of need. I appreciate WVACo, the West Virginia Municipal League, and the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia stepping up to lead.”

“We appreciate Senator Capito fighting for counties during this uncertain time, answering our questions,” said WVACo President, Randolph County Assessor Phyllis Yokum. “Local government is at the ‘tip of the spear’ right now, and she’s standing there with us.”  

“County government is on the front lines of providing services to the citizens of West Virginia. Senator Capito recognizes the impact that county government has on the day to day lives of our citizens. We appreciate her willingness and dedication to providing counties with those resources necessary to move forward during this time,” said Jennifer Piercy, Executive Director of the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia.

“The West Virginia Municipal League is so thankful for Senator Capito for her hosting this conference call with cities, towns, and villages from across the state. The stimulus package that’s moving forward is essential to the hospitals, businesses, and local governments affected by this pandemic. We’re pleased that our communities can continue their vital work knowing they have a strong federal partner,” said Travis L. Blosser, Executive Director of the West Virginia Municipal League.

Senator Capito is committed to ensuring all West Virginians are heard during this uncertain time. Senator Capito has participated in numerous calls with West Virginia groups on this issue including, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (WVHTA), and the West Virginia Hospital Association.

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. Senator Capito also spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III Administration Mary Ann Tierney this week 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 for a second relief package. Click here for more details.
  • 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).
  • Communicated regularly 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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