Yesterday afternoon, from her Senate office United States Senator Marsha Blackburn held a virtual Town Hall with Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw and other Loudon officials.
Senator Blackburn in a virtual town hall meeting 9/8/2020
Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw participating in a virtual Loudon County Town Hall with Senator Blackburn
I was pleased be a part of it, primarily as an observer. But of course she asked me if I had a question, I asked about continued pandemic relief. Primarily for the entertainment industry as I have many friends in the music business and our (wife & I) oldest son is a Lighting Director.
I also plugged her new book, which she was quick to say she couldn’t talk about, BUT hey I can so go get it.
Now, onto the numbers that were discussed.
Loudon County, Federal Funding Related to COVID-19:
Total funding: $70,050,100
- Paycheck Protection Program: $35,805,592
- Unemployment Compensation: $30,834,188
- Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: $1,087,512
- $331,075 went to the Lenoir City School District.
- $756,437 went to the Loudon County School District.
- Healthcare Provider Relief Fund: $1,383,377
- Child and Adult Care Food Program: $14,751
- Child Care and Development Fund: $70,335
- TennCare – Home and Community Based Services: $25,122
- TennCare – Nursing: $186,723
- Tennessee Business Relief Program: $642,500
Senator Blackburn talked about how she and Congressman Phil Roe worked on getting the area wage index increased, Ft. Loudon Medical Center got a higher reimbursement because of it.
Mayor Bradshaw talked about the unemployment was up to 15% even with the $600 extra it has now dropped to 6%. Most of all the shut downs were small businesses as the industries are all essential. Malibu Boats was the only industry to shut down and it was only shut down about 4 weeks. There are lots of employment opportunities in Loudon County.
Senator Blackburn asked about schools, Mayor Bradshaw said schools are back and are offering virtual and in class. A majority of parents chose in class.
Mike Brubaker with City of Loudon Fire thanked the Senator for the help in getting a grant for an exhaust.
Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris also affirmed what Mayor Bradshaw said about the sales tax increase and that locally promoting shop local has been supportive and utilizing take out. New home construction is up in the Town of Loudon, a development of 200 homes is under construction. Phase one has 30 homes under construction and 20 of those are sold.
Chamber President Rodney Grugin mentioned how no business member has had to close and business is looking to be on the rebound.
Mike Green with Loudon Schools mentioned they are on 5th week of being open and monitoring possible infections closely.
Citizen Clayton Prangle who works with a title company mentioned how building material costs have risen and hopes that it will be monitored.
Finally, Mayor Bradshaw mentioned the recent Loudon football game at Brainerd and how Brainerd did not have the National Anthem and Pledge to the flag. Loudon was not given advance notice of this. Mayor Bradshaw said what he had also said in emails to the Governor, Lt. Governor and anyone else he could think of.
If a school system doesn’t recognize the flag and National Anthem, then state and federal funding should be withheld from them.
a cool vehicle with American flags
