News List

Here's today's update: Some good news: the Treasury Department says approximately 80 million Americans will receive their CARES Act stimulus payments this week.  In fact, today my office heard from a veteran that has already received payment directly to his account.  These payments will help families cover necessary expenses and put more money in consumers' pockets… Read more »

I hope all of you had a happy and safe Easter weekend.  Here's the latest update on the COVID-19 outbreak: New Hanover County announced today that it will extend its Stay at Home Order until April 29 at 5 p.m. with some modifications. Specifically: Public and private marinas and boat ramps can be opened. Public and private tennis and pickleball courts can be opened. … Read more »

This Saturday, I wanted to share some statistics about the status of the federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as some general information about the status of the virus in general, both in North Carolina and across the country. The Paycheck Protection Program continues to put dollars into the hands of small business owners to help them make payrolls.  As of… Read more »

Here's today's update: Additional information about the Executive Order issued by Governor Cooper yesterday: The order requires essential businesses remaining open to: Set limits of how many people can be in a store at one time, 5 people per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% of fire marshal posted occupancy limits. Mark 6 feet of distance for areas where… Read more »

Here's the latest: The Governor signed an Executive Order today which covers three main areas:  The first requires retail stores that are still operating to implement new social distancing policies to make shopping safer for customers and employees. The order will also call for social distance markings and offer additional… Read more »

Here's today's update: The most important thing you can do is follow the President's guidelines on slowing the spread of the outbreak.  You can find those guidelines here. My office is continuing to take calls through this crisis and over the last few days, we've heard from a number of you who are having problems with the unemployment insurance process.  So here's what we… Read more »

Here are a few updates for today: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has posted a helpful video with instructions on how to make your own face covering for use in situations where social distancing is difficult, like going to the grocery store or pharmacy.  This follows updated guidance by the CDC issued recently that recommends the use of face coverings in… Read more »

Today's update will focus on the status of the Paycheck Protection Program, which provides low-interest and forgivable loans to small businesses that are struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak.  For an overview of what the program is and how it will work, click here.  Here are some additional links to useful information about the program: I've linked to this document… Read more »

Here's today's update: The U.S. Treasury and the Small Business Administration (SBA) reported last night that 13,669 loans totaling $4.3 billion have been originated under the Paycheck Protection Program that was officially launched yesterday.  This program was set up within 7 days of passage of the law, which is record time for any federal government program.  The… Read more »

Here's the latest: At last night's briefing with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, President Trump, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and SBA Administrator Jovida Carranza talked about the launch of the Paycheck Protection Program that started today and will enable small businesses to receive funds to keep their employees and keep up with day-to-day operating expenses. Last… Read more »