Capito Talks to West Virginia Manufacturers on Coronavirus Relief

Details: March 27, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today spoke with members of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) on a teleconference call to provide an update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. During the call, Senator Capito heard from manufacturers about their concerns, answered questions, and provided an update on how the third coronavirus relief package—which passed the Senate Wednesday evening—will aid them during this uncertain time.

“Whether large or small, manufacturers in West Virginia will find relief in the Phase Three deal. There’s no question the coronavirus has taken a hit on our economy, and West Virginia businesses are feeling the effects. We want to make sure employers and employees have the resources they need to rebound and stay connected through this uncertain time, and that’s exactly what the recent relief package we passed will do,” Senator Capito said. “I thank the WVMA for taking the time to discuss with me their concerns and needs, and for their willingness to step up to produce needed supplies during this time.”

“The WVMA and its members appreciate the long time support of Senator Capito for West Virginia manufacturers. During this unprecedented time of crisis, Senator Capito and her team continue to provide valuable resources and work to support the health and safety of all West Virginians. We thank Senator Capito for hearing from our members about how this crisis is being addressed by manufacturers,” said Rebecca McPhail, WVMA President.

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 Philanthropy West Virginia, the West Virginia Municipal League, the West Virginia Association of Counties, the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia, theWest 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.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic. Click HERE to read Senator Capito’s statement on this announcement, and keep scrolling to learn more about Senator Capito’s efforts to stay on top of this issue.

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:

Vice President Mike Pence, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WVDHHS) Commissioner and State Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp, members of the Coronavirus Taskforce, and others on the issue.

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.

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).