Whereas there are 200,000 commercial drivers in North Carolina and 3,500,000 in the United States; Whereas our truckdrivers continue to make deliveries and transport essential items to locations across the United States; Whereas public transportation remains an essential part of many communities; Whereas there are over 600,000 busdrivers in the United States that continue to operate routes; Whereas electricians, welders, plumbers, machinists, laborers, construction workers, and many other tradesmen continue to complete projects that are essential for our Nation’s progress; Whereas there are over 152,000 convenience stores in the United States that provide fuel and other essential items; Whereas many businesses are continuing to manufacture gowns, personal protective equipment, ventilators, food, clothing, and many other essential items during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas North Carolina is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and the fifth largest in the Nation; Whereas North Carolina is home to 72 publicly owned airports; Whereas North Carolina’s public airports generate $52,000,000,000 annually to the State economy while supporting 307,000 jobs; Whereas there are 19,504 restaurants in North Carolina that employ nearly 482,000 individuals; Whereas the food service industry continues to serve residents across the State; Whereas agriculture is a primary driver of economic growth in North Carolina, with revenue surpassing $87,000,000,000 in 2019, and employs many individuals throughout North Carolina; Whereas there are over 40,000 energy workers in North Carolina, and these individuals continue to work on projects that help communities, neighborhoods, and many aspects of daily life; Whereas there are nearly 2,000 community water systems in North Carolina; Whereas thousands of public utility workers are working daily to ensure that we have clean and reliable sources of water