State lawmakers, Cooper already working on coronavirus relief

North Carolina lawmakers aren't due back in session till the end of April. But House and Senate leaders and Gov. Roy Cooper say they've already been working together to determine what the state will need to recover from the pandemic.

Republican lawmakers and the Democratic governor have been at odds for most of Cooper's term in office. In fact, no state budget was passed last year because the two branches couldn't agree on Medicaid expansion or teacher pay raises.

House Speaker Tim Moore says that's not the case right now.

"I think that, when you have a crisis such as this, it reminds people that a lot of the things we disagree on maybe are not as important as the overriding concerns," Moore. R-Cleveland, said. "We're all North Carolinians, we're all Americans first. And while we are certainly going to have differences of opinion on philosophy and ways to achieve things, [we'll] try to work through those and try to get things done."

In a rare joint statement, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Cooper agreed.

“Between federal and state resources, families and businesses that need financial help due to this crisis can’t get it soon enough," Tuesday's statement said in part.

“Legislative leaders and the governor agree that state leaders must work together to deliver additional assistance following federal action. Our Constitution requires the state to maintain a balanced budget, and while the state has built up substantial reserves, we must use them wisely. "

Berger, R-Rockingham, Cooper and Moore all say they're disappointed that the federal government hasn't yet passed a relief package. They say they'll need to wait and see what that will include before acting at the state level.

In the meantime, Moore said, the task force is likely to look at waiving unemployment taxes for businesses that have had to close their doors and waiving interest and penalties for late tax payments. He said it's also likely they'll discuss whether unemployment benefits should be extended to contract workers, self-employed people and small-business owners, none of whom are currently eligible for assistance.