Upcoming Job Fairs

I am proud to co-host these major hiring events, with more to be listed throughout the year. If you are looking for a job, want to change your career, or build your skills, these job fairs are the places to be!

Keyser

Date: April 17

Location: WVU Potomac State College J. Edward Kelley Complex

Click here to stay up-to-date.

Scheduling

Senator Manchin and his office representatives participate in events and meetings across the Mountain State throughout the year. From Skypes with classrooms, to small business ribbon cuttings, job fairs, and Manchin Mobile Mondays -local meetings with Senator Manchin's staff about the issues that matter in your community- the Senator and his office are honored to receive your invitation.

To invite the Senator to your event, click here.

Manchin Mobile Monday

Every Monday, my staff members are available in easily accessed locations across the state to assist with constituent services and to take your thoughts and concerns directly back to me. Below are next week's times and locations for Monday, April 22.

Mason

Mason County Senior Center

2103 Second Street

Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Staff: Regional Coordinator Brian Aluise will attend.

Petersburg

Grant County Public Library

18 Mountain View Street

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Staff: Regional Coordinator Michael Garcia will attend.

From the Hill to the Mountains

Encouraged by FCC and Trump Administration's Proposal of $20 Billion Fund for Rural Broadband

I am intrigued by the Administration’s proposal and applaud them for highlighting the need for investment in rural broadband. While this announcement signals a positive step forward in bridging the digital divide, unless we fix our broadband coverage maps and ensure this new program has a dedicated amount set aside for places with mountainous terrain, I am concerned West Virginia will not see a dime of this funding. I look forward to reviewing their plan further, following their proposal as it goes through the rule-making process at the FCC and working with the President and the FCC to make sure this new program is in the best interest of West Virginia.

Once approved by the FCC, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund would provide $20.4 billion over 10 years in rural broadband. The investment will be made in the form of subsidies available to eligible companies through a competitive auction in order to build-out highspeed broadband in unserved areas.

$1.2 Million Announced for Flood Recovery

I am proud to announce $1,284,283 for the West Virginia Division of Highways District 6 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program. Funding will support efforts to repair roads damaged as a result of flooding that occurred in February 2018.

Almost three years ago, West Virginia was hit with disastrous flooding that devastated our state. Many areas of West Virginia have yet to fully recover from the effects of the flooding and still need help rebuilding infrastructure, such as our roads. I have been continuously working with FEMA to bring funding like this to West Virginia so that we can rebuild these communities, and I will continue to fight to ensure that the federal government is a reliable partner in our ongoing recovery effort.

$3 Million for Health Research, Support Services

I am proud to announce $3,007,012 for West Virginia through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Funding will support research into Alzheimer’s disease at West Virginia University and provide resources for West Virginians living with HIV.

I have always been a supporter of investing in medical research and treatment. Despite wonderful medical advancements, there is still a lot of ground to cover when it comes to diseases and conditions that West Virginians struggle with every day. By conducting research and providing treatment to individuals living with chronic conditions, we can work towards a healthier West Virginia.

$13.5 Million to Modernize Public Housing in WV

I am proud to announce $13,523,370 for 30 public housing authorities throughout the state of West Virginia from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding from HUD’s Public Housing Capital Fund will help West Virginia public housing authorities develop, finance and modernize their facilities as well as their management operations.

Investment in public housing infrastructure is critical to the health of our communities. Everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves to have a roof over their head. These facilities serve as a temporary spot for individuals to get back on their feet and get their finances together. Without these facilities around our state and the country, there would be unimaginable homelessness and poverty that would cripple our economy. I applaud this funding for West Virginia and I will keep fighting to make sure that everyone has a chance and a roof over their head.

Leading the Effort to Protect Miners' Healthcare and Pensions in Tax Extenders Package

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I strongly urged Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Ron Wyden to include essential protections for miners’ healthcare benefits, a permanent fix for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) pension plan, and a restoration of the financing for the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund in the tax extenders package that the Finance Committee is currently considering.

Read more here.

Moving the Appalachian Storage Hub Forward

Last week, I applauded President Trump and Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry for their ongoing support for the Appalachian Storage Hub. The President signed an executive order that recognizes the importance of Appalachia to our nation’s energy future. At my invitation, Secretary Perry visited West Virginia in July 2017, where he saw firsthand how West Virginia powers our nation, as well as the importance of cultivating innovative infrastructure systems for natural gas.

After talking with Secretary Perry and after today’s executive order, I am more confident than ever that the Administration is serious about being a partner in helping us develop the Appalachian Storage Hub. Since 2017, I have been working with the Administration and Secretary Perry to make sure they understood the positive economic impact and the potential energy security an Appalachian Storage Hub will bring to West Virginia and the country. I have long said that the Appalachian Storage Hub is a vital project that will help us capitalize on our state and region's abundant natural resources, growing infrastructure and innovative spirit. This storage hub will create jobs and develop our economy by attracting significant manufacturing and related investment to West Virginia and our neighboring states. It will also be vital in helping to secure our energy future by providing a reliable affordable supply of natural gas liquids. I look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Energy and regional stakeholders to make the Appalachian Storage Hub a reality.

Read more here.

This Week:

Keyser Job Fair

April 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WVU Potomac State College, Edward Kelley Complex

Nearly 60 employers are participating, including Northrop Grumman.

Click here for more.

On the Road

It was great to speak at a roundtable meeting in Charleston this week about the importance of the Appalachian Storage Hub. I have long said that the Appalachian Storage Hub is a vital project that will help us capitalize on our state and region's abundant natural resources, growing infrastructure and innovative spirit.

Senator Manchin speaks about the Appalachian Storage Hub initiative.

Regional Coordinator Ali Mitchell attended the official 100-day countdown to the World Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve this summer. Our state is so blessed to be in a position to host this amazing event.

Ali Mitchell attends the countdown kickoff to the World Scout Jamboree this summer.

Regional Coordinator Ali Mitchell attended a Reentry Resource Fair in Beckley hosted by the West Virginia Reentry Council. The fair provided community resources and support for those seeking to rejoin the workforce after incarceration.

Ali Mitchell attends the Reentry Resource Fair in Beckley.

I had the privilege of speaking with some of Riverside High School's best and brightest last week from Washington via Skype. Thank you all again for your excellent questions!

Senator Manchin speaks with students of Riverside High School via Skype.

How May We Help You?

I truly appreciate the opportunity to hear from my fellow West Virginians. As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is to provide top-notch customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me, or who may need help. My staff is available to help you with matters of concern. While I have no direct jurisdiction in the administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you with whatever problem you may be experiencing and ask that full consideration is given to your case.

Mrs. Frances Detrick of Ridgeley needed a new Medicare Card from CMS. Mrs. Detrick receives her mail via a PO Box and CMS can only mail new cards to a street address. CMS advised her to use the online system to acquire a new card, however she did not have a printer to print a new card. Caseworker Gerrie Greene worked with Mrs. Detrick and was able to print her new card and mail it to her PO Box in Ridgeley.

In Your Community

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in WV

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and private nonprofit organizations located in West Virginia as a result of rain, flash flooding that began on July 21, 2018. Loans are available in the following counties: Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston, and Wetzel.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Celebrating Women Veterans

April 19, 2019

1p.m. to 3 p.m.

Beckley VA Medical Center Auditorium

Women Veterans and their friends and family are encouraged to attend and learn more about the benefits and services available to them.

Learn more about:

VA Healthcare Enrollment
Beckley VAMC Women’s Health Program
Military Sexual Trauma
Suicide Prevention
Homeless Team
Whole Health Program
Women’s healthcare from community partners
Veterans Benefits Administration (to include Compensation & Pension, Education, VA Home Loans, and more benefits)
WV Department of Veterans Assistance benefits and services

SBA Offers Free Business Training Workshop for Veterans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting two entrepreneurship training sessions for Veterans, National Guard members, Reservists and their spouses across West Virginia this spring.

Boots to Business: Reboot is a FREE training session that introduces veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership and the key steps for evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. The training is hosted by the SBA West Virginia District Office and the Veterans Business Outreach Center and features additional presentations by SBA resource partners, including SCORE, America’s SBDC – West Virginia (the Small Business Development Centers), and local bankers, lawyers and small business owners.

Boots to Business: Reboot is available to eligible Veterans of all eras, Service members (including members of the National Guard and Reserves) and their spouses. The public is also welcome to attend. This course is instructed by SBA and its partners, who are skilled business advisors. The following dates and locations are currently available for registration:

Fairmont – April 24, 2019
Bluefield – April 25, 2019

To register for Boots to Business: Reboot classes visit www.sba.gov/wv. For more information, contact Kimberly Donahue at kimberly.donahue@sba.gov or (304) 347-5220.

National Security Month

April is National Social Security Month. This year, during National Social Security Month, the SSA will focus on the online services we provide that help put you in control — with secure access to your information anytime, anywhere. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/mysocialsecurity, and learn how to: