North Carolina lawmakers are considering $25 million in funding to help meat-processing plants. | Stock Photo
North Carolina lawmakers are considering $25 million in funding to help meat-processing plants. | Stock Photo
Legislation introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives would give the state’s meat-production facilities a much-needed financial boost during the COVID-19 pandemic but doesn't address workers' safety.
The House proposal would provide meat-processing facilities $25 million through the federal CARES Act, which would allow the addition of more capacity, the Winston-Salem Journal reported on May 27. The bipartisan legislation ultimately seeks to sustain the food supply chain amid growing fears the virus is having an impact.
While the legislation is a financial lifeline, the Winston-Salem Journal reported it doesn't include provisions for workers' safety despite several coronavirus outbreaks occurring at meat-processing plants, including the Tyson facility in Wilkesboro that reported approximately 570 employees testing positive for COVID-19 in May.
The funding would be for facilities experiencing slow production or a thin workforce, the Winston-Salem Journal reported. The $25 million would be available through the end of the year. Initial disbursements will go out by Thursday, Oct. 1.
Alerts Sign-up