Speaker setting up legislative crisis response groups

House Speaker Tim Moore said Wednesday that he's establishing legislative working groups to study policy measures on the coronavirus.

These groups will work remotely and "prepare emergency response measures across policy sectors, including health care, education, tax, economic support and government operations," the speaker's office said in a news release.

Each group will be chaired by members of both parties, the speaker's office said.

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger said his chamber looks forward to hearing what the House comes up with and that the Senate "continues to plan for appropriate policy and fiscal responses through its committees and committee chairs."

General Assembly leaders have said repeatedly they'll be ready when needed to pass legislation responding to the viral outbreak, but a timetable hasn't been set. The state has significant reserves to draw from, including $3.3 billion in budget savings and unappropriated cash on hand.

Moore's office said legislative staff are preparing remote meeting options for the crisis working groups and that group leaders will be announced this week.

Moore's office said public input is welcome and to email ideas to tim.moore@ncleg.gov.