CBS19

Business leaders from several localities met with a local member of Congress to talk about the measure they think are needed in the next federal COVID-19 relief package.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger met with representatives from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Chambers of Commerce in Blackstone, Chesterfield County, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Goochland and Powhatan.

According to a release, some of the top concerns highlighted were the need for reliable broadband access and the need for banking relationships the will enable businesses, especially in underserved communities, to take advantage of the available relief loans.

“Virginia businesses are adapting to extreme challenges and pervasive uncertainty as this devastating public health crisis drags on. Conversations like this help me narrow in on our district’s most essential priorities, so I can advocate strongly at the federal level for the targeted, urgent support that our communities need,” said Spanberger. “Among the issues we discussed today were the logistical burdens and extra expenses facing businesses as they seek to reopen safely & in accordance with state-level guidelines. I’m thankful for the numerous organizations and entities, including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, who are working to equip small business owners with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate this new reality. We also heard yet again from business owners about how vital reliable broadband access is to their work.”

The release says the COVID-19 pandemic means many counties across Virginia are facing potential budget challenges.