Spanberger Hosts Fourth COVID-19-Focused Telephone Town Hall to Discuss Pandemic’s Impacts on Central Virginia’s Small Businesses, Healthcare System, & Workforce

HENRICO, V.A. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger yesterday hosted her fourth COVID-19-focused telephone town hall to discuss how the coronavirus crisis is creating challenges for Central Virginia small businesses, healthcare systems, and workers.

Spanberger was joined by local officials and business leaders to answer questions directly from Seventh District constituents impacted by the pandemic, and approximately 4,000 Central Virginians tuned in to participate in the public, virtual town hall. Click here to listen to a full audio recording of the event.

During the event, Spanberger delivered a brief update and answered questions about the ongoing federal response, including her support for the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act last month. Spanberger answered questions alongside Steve C. Yeakel, President & CEO, Virginia Association of Community Banks; Max C. Morehead, Jr., Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking, Village Bank; Dan Roehl, Vice President of Government Relations, National Restaurant Association; Dr. Megan Healy, Chief Workforce Development Advisor, Office of Governor Ralph Northam; and Gena Berger, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Office of Governor Ralph Northam.

“During last night’s telephone town hall, we heard about some of the many challenges our neighbors are having in covering their rent, staying informed, and keeping their businesses open and their workers paid. We also heard their concerns about the availability of testing in their communities, the speed of federal relief to small businesses, and the potential next steps for the economic recovery of our Commonwealth and the country,” said Spanberger. “This feedback informs my efforts each day as we work to provide immediate assistance to the working families and small businesses that urgently need a helping hand. I’d like to thank the thousands of Central Virginians who joined our conversation, as well as the local leaders who took time to provide timely updates and resources on our call. Up-to-date information is critical in keeping our communities safe and connected, and I look forward to continuing these interactive events as we build a comprehensive plan for moving forward and redouble our commitment to combating this crisis.”

Monday’s telephone town hall was Spanberger’s fourth free, public telephone town hall since the coronavirus pandemic began in the United States. Last month, she hosted a telephone town hall with local superintendents, higher education administrators, and government officials to discuss the challenges facing Central Virginia students, families, and teachers as a result of COVID-19. Click here to listen to a full audio recording of the event.

And last week, Spanberger hosted a virtual Kids Town Hall to listen to and answer questions from Central Virginia children navigating the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to watch a video from the event.

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