The Council of State is meeting this morning. It just started, and everyone is there. #ncpol

Folks, put your phone on mute.

State Treasurer Folwell is talking about his experience having COVID-19, and thanked his wife for her support.

Folwell talked about life and the importance of having someone’s love, having something to do and something to look forward to every day. Good guidelines for us all.

On to Transportation now.

When the governor tells you to mute your phone, mute your phone, people.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said this past weekend his office was able to locate some KN95 masks. They ordered 10,000 masks, which will be distributed to county fire departments as needed.

Causey said the Dept of Insurance employees are mostly working from home except for a skeleton crew of mostly IT folks.
Agriculture Commissioner Troxler said "we are spread out working from home as much as we possibly can."

Attorney General Josh Stein: "All of us have kids spending way more time on the internet than they ever have," so his office has provided tips for staying safe on the internet.

Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry: "I think soon we need to come to some sort of conclusion or idea for how we can put people back to work." She said the current situation is not sustainable and they should trust employers to keep people safe and healthy when they go back.

Gov. Cooper gave updated coronavirus numbers: 3,221 tested positive in 90 counties, 354 people in the hospital, lost 46 people. More than 41,000 tests.

Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said he's seen businesses across the state show innovation during the crisis.
"I have no doubt that North Carolina will come through this as a shining example to the country. We’ll have a lot of lessons learned as well for the next time."

Gov. Cooper: "As we go into the following weeks it’s going to be important for all of us to not only talk about the importance of staying home and social distancing but also showing that..."

"The numbers are pretty stark," Cooper said, adding that if they "continue with these interventions" there's a better chance of not overwhelming health care providers.

"We are where we are, and we will get through this...particularly if everyone does his or her part," he said.

Council of State over. Next up in state government today, the House Select Committee on COVID-19, Subcommittee on Economic Support Remote at 10 a.m. #ncga

The audio apparently isn't working for the House Select Committee on COVID-19, economic support working group. So, a public meeting that the public can't hear. #ncga

Again, public meeting the public can't hear. And that room is way too small for a lot of people to be in. #ncga https://twitter.com/MichaelWNCN/status/1247527377560715265?s=20

The open meetings law is a law, not a suggestion.

Now complying with the law: https://twitter.com/RaleighReporter/status/1247528695410987009?s=20

First up in audio, the sound of someone starting their car and driving. ... Apparently the lawmaker found the mute button and now we can hear about unemployment benefits. #ncga

Meeting outtake: Clandestine barber.

Will's our man reporting on unemployment issues, so follow him for what comes out of today's House meeting about it:
https://twitter.com/will_doran/status/1247529290930868230?s=20 #ncga

After unemployment, this House committee will take on tax relief, and I'll be covering that. Everyone loves tax relief -- here's my latest story on it: NC Republican, Democratic leaders back more tax relief due to coronavirus https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241655326.html #ncga #ncpol

I think I've heard more state lawmakers use the phrase "the feds" more in these past few weeks than I ever have. As opposed to saying "federal government." I'm also a fan of just saying the feds (though that of course is not AP style).

Reference to Audie Murphy in the meeting just now. If you don't know who he was, here's a Military Times story about him: https://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/salute-veterans/2019/11/08/audie-murphy-made-a-name-for-himself-in-battle-and-on-the-screen/

Up next on the agenda: Department of Revenue: Update on Relief to Taxpayers. #ncga

So far just an overview of what we already know about taxes this year. If you missed it, you have until July 15 to file/pay your taxes.

Rep. Howard wants to combine all the bills into one, so they can vote at once. That's bills on unemployment and tax relief (waiving late payment interest). Rep. Saine said they'll give everyone a week and vote on whether to do that next week. #ncga

Rep. Richardson asked if the #ncga short session should be in July or August (instead of April 28) once we know more about the economic situation, before doing the budget. #ncpol

Rep. Saine said usually they'd have a budget ready within days of starting the short session, but: "I think everyone’s keenly aware that the budget is going to be a much trickier process," and they need to know what revenue loss will look like. #ncga

Saine told Richardson "we have come to some of that same conclusion..It will probably look like July or August in terms of budget." #ncga

NFIB Ray Starling General Counsel, NC Chamber: "24 to 25% of small businesses have already shut down.
Among those who have not, 40% believe they will if nothing changes in next two weeks."

"When do these losses become unrecoverable?" Starling asked. He's talking to the House COVID-19 committee.

Starling ended on a high note: "As a state we do feel that we are better positioned than many," he said because the state itself is in good fiscal health and has a diverse economy.
"If anyone’s going to climb out of this quickly, it’s going to be North Carolina," he said. #ncga

That's it for this committee. Next one up at 2 p.m. See you then.