Congressman briefs chambers

Dickenson County Chamber of Commerce and tourism chief Rita Surratt reports that Ninth District U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith hosted a video conference call May 1 with Dickenson and Russell County chamber members regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members posed several questions about the federal CARES Act, signed into law March 27, according to Surratt. “They asked about the Paycheck Protection Program intended to help businesses keep employees on payroll and changes in unemployment benefits. Griffith explained the provisions of the law and how they would apply to employers in Dickenson and Russell counties.”

Other questions, Surratt explained, focused on support from the federal government “for local governments and emergency services, building out broadband in the region to improve Internet access, and the impact of COVID-19 on the economic climate. Griffith identified federal programs that would assist with these concerns and noted that he has advocated a regional reopening for Virginia, allowing less-affected areas such as Southwest Virginia to reopen earlier with the appropriate precautions. Hospitals are already reopening for elective surgeries.”

Surratt notes that Griffith welcomed constituent suggestions for troubleshooting these programs and encourages people to contact his office at 276/525-1405 or morgangriffith.house.gov.

Along with thanking Griffith for the event, Surratt noted the ongoing efforts of the congressman’s district director, John Bebber.