LIVE @ Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Virtual Legislative Luncheon 4/10/20

Recap of the 2020 Virtual Legislative Luncheon: Addressing COVID-19 and Supporting Buncombe County

On April 10, 2020, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual Legislative Luncheon bringing together local legislators – Senators Chuck Edwards and Terry Van Dyne, and Representatives Chuck McGrady and Brian Turner – with the Chamber and a large audience of over 227 registered attendees. The meeting centered on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Buncombe County, as well as a preview of the upcoming short legislative session. While no formal votes were taken, the discussion provided valuable insights into current challenges and potential future actions for our community.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on understanding the current state of COVID-19 in our region. Dr. Bill Hathaway from Mission Health presented a detailed overview, noting that while New York City was seeing some flattening of the curve, Buncombe County remained relatively behind due to proactive measures and geographic isolation. Mission Health’s preparedness was highlighted, with over 1,400 beds available and collaborative efforts underway with regional healthcare providers. While testing capacity was increasing, securing sufficient reagent supplies remained a challenge. Concerns about the vulnerability of congregate living facilities like nursing homes were also raised, emphasizing the need for targeted support.

Beyond the immediate health crisis, discussions turned to the upcoming short legislative session beginning April 28th. Lawmakers emphasized their commitment to addressing economic stability, public health concerns, and providing regulatory relief during this unprecedented time. Both the House and Senate are actively working on COVID-19 recovery efforts, with committees and working groups being formed to tackle issues like unemployment insurance benefits and the Golden Leaf Foundation loan program. A notable debate arose regarding Medicaid expansion, with differing viewpoints expressed among the legislators present. The importance of supporting small businesses struggling to access federal assistance programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.

Community members had the opportunity to participate through a Q&A session, raising concerns about unemployment benefits and small business assistance. While a proposal to allow craft breweries to sell premixed cocktails was raised, it was deemed unlikely due to the complexities involved. Legislators acknowledged the difficulties small businesses are facing and committed to exploring options for targeted support, with the Golden Leaf Foundation loan program identified as a key resource.

Looking ahead, legislators will continue their work through committees in preparation for the short legislative session. The ongoing monitoring of the COVID-19 situation and potential legislative responses remains a priority. Residents can stay informed about these developments and other coronavirus-related resources by visiting the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.ashevillechamber.org/coronavirus. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from our elected officials about their plans to address the challenges facing Buncombe County during this difficult time and underscored the importance of continued vigilance and community support.