WV JOBS

Introducing the New Dedicated Job Search and Career Resource for West Virginians

Together with the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation (DRWV) – an organization dedicated to diversifying and enabling West Virginia’s economic growth and success, and Jobcase – a social platform for the “future of work,” I am proud of the soft launch of DiscoverWVJobs.com, a new public-private collaboration to support workers and job seekers in West Virginia. The platform will provide improved access to career info, and directly match people to local jobs. It can be found at www.DiscoverWVJobs.com.

The official launch for the site will occur in the fall, offering even more jobs and other content from additional partners from across the state.

Job Fairs

I am proud to have co-hosted over 47 major hiring events throughout the state since 2015. If you are looking for a job, want to change your career, or enhance your skills, these job fairs are the places to be!

Beckley Job Fair

November 1

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beckley Convention Center

Click here for more information.

Click here to stay up-to-date.

Scheduling

My staff and I 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, we are honored to receive your invitation.

To invite the Senator to your event, click here.

Manchin Mobile Monday

Every Monday, members of my staff are available in easily accessed locations across the state to assist with constituent services and to bring your thoughts and concerns directly back to me. Below are next week's times and locations for Monday, October 21. Note there will be no stops on October 12 due to the holiday.

Logan

Clarksburg Housing Authority

433 Baltimore Avenue

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

Staff: Caseworker Kim Berry will attend with representatives from HUD.

Cameron

City of Cameron

44 Main Street

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Staff: Regional Coordinator Mary Jo Guidi will attend.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN LEADS SENATORS IN URGING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO PROTECT PEOPLE WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

The Administration’s rule on state waivers allows taxpayer dollars to go to these junk plans, accelerating the problems we are already seeing with junk plans and leaving fewer resources for people who purchase high quality insurance. Additionally, the Administration’s new rule weakens coverage by allowing waivers that increase premiums and out-of-pocket costs for those who need health care most. We have worked tirelessly to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions from barriers to coverage. We urge you to do the same, including by limiting the proliferation of short-term junk plans and ensuring that consumers in every state are protected by federal consumer protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

MANCHIN VISITS WV SERVICE-MEMBERS IN THE GULF REGION DURING FACT FINDING MISSION

The Gulf Region is crucial to the global oil supply and as the Ranking Member of Energy and Natural Resources and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this trip to the Gulf Region helped us assess the full effect of heightened tensions and the recent attacks on the region. This visit reinforced my view that our military service members are the greatest in the world and the glue that not only keeps our country together, but protects the entire free world. I met many young men and women including several West Virginians who are making sacrifices every day to keep us safe, and I am grateful for their service. I also saw firsthand that we need a greater global contribution to securing the Gulf Region, which is critical to the international economy. The United States is shouldering too much of the responsibility in the region and other western nations need to step up. We also had important conversations around the United States’ influence on human rights in the region and I believe that we have a responsibility to make sure that any country the U.S. partners with militarily or economically is making meaningful steps to promote human rights in their own country. It was an honor to join Senator McSally, my colleague on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, on this important trip.

MANCHIN, VAN HOLLEN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO BOOST RESOURCES FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY CONSERVATION

I am proud to cosponsor the Chesapeake WILD Act to create a grant program that will enhance the fish and wildlife species through habitat restoration in the Chesapeake Bay region, an incredible wildlife area that includes multiple counties in West Virginia. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to establish this grant system within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve habitats in our state and across the Chesapeake Bay region.

MANCHIN CONGRATULATES 2019 BLUE RIBBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN WEST VIRGINIA

I am proud of our three elementary schools in West Virginia that have received the well-deserved recognition of their incredible work. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is the perfect acknowledgement for these students, educators, families, and communities and the work they have done to ensure the success of these students.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

Any allegation of misconduct with a foreign country must be investigated. I firmly believe it is premature to jump to any conclusion until an investigation of the facts is complete.

As a U.S. Senator, I take my responsibility in the process very seriously. The Senate’s role is to evaluate the facts. It would be irresponsible of me to comment on each piece of the process until all of the facts come out and the Senate begins to review the findings.

I’m hopeful the Senate will rise above party and politics and consider what’s in the best interest of our country; I promise you I will.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE BILL DESIGNATING NEW RIVER GORGE A NATIONAL PARK PRESERVE

The New River Gorge is one of our most treasured playgrounds and largest tourist attractions in West Virginia. Over the last several months I have met with sportsmen and other interested groups to discuss ideas to make our backyard an even bigger attraction to visitors. Re-designating the New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve creates new adventure opportunities while preserving the unique culture and traditions we take so much pride in.

Energy Committee News

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON FERC ANNOUNCEMENT

There are two vacancies on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and I am disappointed that the President has only announced his intention to nominate a Republican commissioner. FERC has a strong history of operating in a bipartisan fashion and failing to honor the tradition of a bipartisan pairing sets a dangerous precedent moving forward. I remain hopeful the Administration will quickly nominate a Democratic commissioner so we can consider nominations for both vacancies together and restore a fully functioning FERC. As Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I take the responsibility to review each nominee that comes before us very seriously. I look forward to meeting with Mr. Danly and reviewing his qualifications to serve as a FERC Commissioner.

MANCHIN, ENERGY COMMITTEE PASS 21 BILLS MOVING CLOSER TO ENERGY INNOVATION PACKAGE

I’m proud of the bipartisan solutions we passed in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today. I’m particularly pleased by the energy storage package that includes the ideas of 18 Senators and results in a solid piece of legislation that will make a difference in advancing storage technologies. I’m also excited to see us pass the Clean Industrial Technology Act which engages our manufacturing and industrial communities to work together on solutions to lower greenhouse gas emissions while also cornering the global market for new technologies. The bills we're passing move us closer to our cleaner energy goals.

Click here to watch Senator Manchin's opening statement.

Key Federal Resources

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE RURAL WORKFORCE, COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

I’m glad the Department of Labor is investing in West Virginia’s economy. We know the potential that West Virginians have and these investments will help create the jobs, services and infrastructure needed to attract new industries to our rural communities and get more West Virginians back to work. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to bring opportunities to our communities to improve the lives of all West Virginians.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR ORAL HEALTH SERVICES

Access to healthcare is essential to the well-being of all West Virginians and by improving our health centers, patients will be able to receive quality, accessible healthcare across our great state. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for funding for our health centers so that West Virginians can live healthy, safe lives.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $2.7 MILLION FOR NORTH CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA AIRPORT

Our airports in West Virginia are a vital source of economic activity in our state. Air travel is critical for economic growth and our state’s tourism industry. Ensuring that North Central West Virginia has safe, reliable air service has opened up the area to more visitors and new economic opportunities, including an aerospace industry that has generated more than $1 billion worth of economic impact in the surrounding region. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee and one of the only aviators in the Senate, I always have our West Virginia airports in mind and will continue to ensure they receive the funding they need.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $3.4 MILLION FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Education is an essential part of our children’s lives and will ensure a brighter future for generations to come. Through programs like Head Start, children gain essential skills and knowledge that will help them be successful throughout their education. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am proud to secure funding for Head Start programs in West Virginia that support our students and better our education system.

MANCHIN: $4.9 MILLION FOR BROADBAND ACCESS GRANT FOR BUSINESSES IN WEST VIRGINIA

Access to broadband is crucial to the health of West Virginia businesses and communities. Without access to quality, dependable broadband coverage, West Virginia businesses simply cannot compete in the 21st century economy and our communities suffer because of it. This is why I have made improving broadband access across West Virginia one of my top priorities and applaud the USDA for investing in our state.

MANCHIN, CAPTIO ANNOUNCE $848K TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia has the highest overdose rate per capita of any state in our nation, and the impacts of this epidemic can be felt in every family, every community and every part of our state. We need all of the help we can get for those dealing with substance use disorder so they can receive treatment and we can begin to heal as a state and a nation. This funding will go a long way to understanding how to combat the opioid crisis, and I look forward to seeing the important work accomplished by these initiatives. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight to ensure West Virginia receives the necessary funding to fight the opioid epidemic in every way possible.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3 MILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

I am glad to see these efforts to improve and develop our transportation infrastructure and emergency preparedness across West Virginia are being supported by the DOT and FAA through this funding. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for our transportation industry in order to help show off all that West Virginia has to offer.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $11 MILLION FOR JUSTICE SERVICES

West Virginians believe in helping our neighbors and bettering our communities, especially those hit hardest by the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our state. These investments from the Department of Justice will expand community services across West Virginia and help those community members in need. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these investments have in our communities and will continue to advocate to help solve the problems our state faces.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $380K FOR PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY IN WEST VIRGINIA

I am glad to see NPS is recognizing the importance of recognizing West Virginia’s role in America’s history. Understanding our history and heritage is vital because it teaches us key lessons and achievements from generations before us and reminds us of the hard fought battles won across our history. I applaud NPS for highlighting West Virginia and look forward to continuing our work to preserve the legacy of West Virginia.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $32 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN WEST VIRGINIA

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 funds benefit important housing and community revitalization projects across the state. Access to affordable housing helps individuals to get back on their feet and give them another opportunity to contribute to their communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee I applaud this funding for West Virginia and I will continue to fight to make sure that everyone has a roof over their head.

MANCHIN INCLUDES FUNDING FOR COMBATING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC, PFAS CONTAMINATION CLEAN-UP EFFORTS, AND SUMMIT POINT IN SPENDING BILLS

Today the committee approved these appropriations bills and I am pleased that they provide West Virginia with funding for some of the state’s top priorities: combatting the opioid epidemic, PFAS contamination clean-up efforts, and Summit Point. As we continue our work in the Appropriations Committee I will fight for West Virginia in the final budget for 2020 and for a responsible budget that puts West Virginia first.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $6 MILLION FOR HEALTH SERVICES

I have always supported 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 and mental health issues such as substance use disorder, we can work towards a healthier West Virginia.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Over the last few months, I’ve had multiple conversations with the Trump Administration expressing my support for the UMWA Career Center and the incredible program they operate to retrain coal miners for new jobs in growing career paths. Today, I am proud to see this funding announced for their program. With this funding, West Virginians will be able to further their knowledge and gain valuable experience to ensure that they are prepared for the next generation of American jobs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I always support economic opportunities like this for our great state. I firmly believe that West Virginians are the most hardworking, dedicated workers out there and programs like this will help more of us get back to work.

FEATURED OP-ED

DOING MORE FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN IN WEST VIRGINIA | WHEELING INTELLIGENCER
By Senator Joe Manchin

Education is an essential part of our children’s lives. All of our students are expected to meet the same challenging state academic achievement standards, but a student’s environment outside of school has a profound impact on their ability to learn and achieve in the classroom.

Every child needs a loving, caring adult in their life. It’s the most important promise you can make to a child, and when that promise is broken we see the horrific situation we are in today that’s led to more than 10,000 West Virginia public school students left homeless — and we know that number is likely much higher. In Jefferson County alone, about one in six students are homeless. How can our children learn if they’re sleeping on a different couch every night of the week or forced to sleep in a car in a parking lot?

According to federal data in the 2016-2017 school year, the national average graduation rate for homeless students was 64%. Students experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school than their housed peers, according to a February 2019 report from SchoolHouse Connection, a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education.

Click here to read the full article.

ON THE ROAD

During the Governors Energy Summit this week, I was proud to discuss the vital role that West Virginia and our dedicated workforce have played in powering our country. Our state will continue to have a role to play even as our country undergoes an energy transformation, because the fact of the matter is that we have to use everything we’ve got – from coal, to natural gas and renewables – to ensure a reliable electric grid and to keep our economy humming. But we also need to be using all of these resources in the cleanest way possible.

I was proud to present Vietnam Veteran Steven Vinson with the Purple Heart last week. Our Veterans have given so much for our freedom, and it is our responsibility and our privilege to see they are given their well-earned recognition. Thank you for your service, Steven!

Last week I helped break ground on West Virginia’s first Fisher House at the Huntington VA Medical Center. Our little state is home to the most patriotic and hardworking people in the nation, and taking care of our Veterans and their families is part of who we are. Click the image link below to watch.

Of course I couldn't visit Huntington and not stop for spaghetti at Jim's Spaghetti House. Thank you all for your warm hospitality, as always.

Last week in Roanoke, I spoke with homeless shelter providers from across our state about the work I am doing to combat youth homelessness in our state. I’m looking forward to introducing legislation that will enable more resources for the WV children and youth who need it most. Click the image link below to watch.

It was an exciting day in Morgantown as Vantage Ventures opened its doors. This 8,000 square foot office space will help entrepreneurs launch, expand and innovate. I’m thankful that the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics is helping move entrepreneurs – and our state – forward.

Regional Coordinator Brian Aluise presented a letter of recognition on my behalf to West Teays Elementary School Principal Valerie Fowler. Congratulations to all three of our outstanding West Virginia elementary schools: West Teays Elementary, Hollywood Elementary, and Greenmont Elementary for their recognition as 2019 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

I’m proud that my office was able to be a part of the WV Energy Expo last week in Morgantown. This event is a testament to our state’s diverse energy industry and the many jobs it supports.

It is an honor to join the Prince Hall Washington Lodge #4 in recognizing James Estes, Sr. for his service to our national and statewide community as a leader and an inspiration to all during the Price Hall Day celebration.

Congratulations to this year’s class of WVLiving Wonder Women. These West Virginia women are among our state’s strongest and brightest and I’m proud that my wife, Gayle, is one of the original “Wonder Women” from 2014!

Dr. Cordova, Director of the National Science Foundation, recently visited the Green Bank Observatory along with a member of my staff to celebrate the signing of the cooperative agreement that will provide funding for another five years.

Thank you to all the employers and job seekers who participated in the 2019 Mid-Ohio Valley Career Fair last week at WVU-Parkersburg.

Regional Coordinator Keith McIntosh attended the Eastern Panhandle Walk to End Alzheimer's. Many thanks to Amber Campbell, Program and Advocacy Outreach Volunteer for the Eastern Panhandle, the Alzheimer's Association, and all who came out to support this important cause.

Regional Coordinator Keith McIntosh also spent a day in Romney with Mayor Keadle and others to review the scope of work for the town's sidewalk replacement project that will soon be underway. He also stopped by a local e-commerce business, Gina's Soft Cloth Shop, owned by Gina Jordan.

HOW MAY WE HELP YOU?

To request assistance from my case team, click here.

As your U.S. Senator, I am proud to be your voice with government agencies during your time of need. My goal is for me and my staff to provide the best possible customer service for every West Virginian who contacts me needing assistance. While I have no direct jurisdiction in legal or administrative matters of any federal, state, or local agency, I welcome the opportunity to assist you in any way possible and to assure that full consideration is given to your case. See one of our recent success stories below:

Ms. Muriel Campbell of Weirton contacted the Senator’s office for help with her WV income tax refund. She had contacted other agencies for help but did not receive prompt assistance. Following Caseworker Cris Hewett's phone call to the WV Tax Department, someone reached out to Ms. Campbell within 10 minutes and her issue was resolved.

U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATION

Do you want to serve your country and receive a free education?

One of my highest honors as a U.S. Senator is to nominate patriotic and hardworking young men and women to the military service academies. The U.S. Service Academies annually award four-year, fully-paid scholarships, and provide young men and women a jump start to a career in the military. Each scholarship consists of a four-year education, room and board, pay, exclusive benefits and valuable leadership training. Admission into service academies is highly competitive and requires an official nomination. I strongly encourage all interested West Virginians to apply for a nomination to the service academies.

While this year's deadline for applications has passed, nominations are made every year. To learn more about how to prepare for next year, visit my website.

Click here for a message from Senator Manchin about U.S. Service Academy Nominations.

Student participants in Jefferson High School's Service Academy Skype with Senator Manchin receive gift bags from the National Guard.

For more information, contact: academy@manchin.senate.gov.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

To inform our office of community events we can showcase, click here.

Fairmont Job and Resource Fair hosted by Region VI Workforce Development Board

Friday, October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Robert Mollohan Research Center, 1000 Galliher Dr, Fairmont

Social Security Phone Scam - Learn How to Protect Yourself

Social Security employees do occasionally contact people--generally those who have ongoing business with the agency--by telephone for business purposes. However, Social Security employees will never threaten a person or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent and people should not engage with the caller. If a person receives these calls, he or she should report the information to the OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

To watch a PSA about the scam, click here or visit www.ssa.gov for more information.

Social Security has recently worked with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to create a new fraud prevention placemat to help you avoid Social Security scams. You can order free copies of the placemat to use at dining venues, or to share with friends and family. The placemat is in English on one side and Spanish on the other side.

SBA Deadline for WV Private NonProfits to Apply for Physical Damage Disaster Loans is October 2

U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible Private NonProfit organizations (PNPs) in West Virginia of the Oct. 2 deadline to submit disaster loan applications in Grant, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph and Tucker counties for physical damages caused by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides on June 29-30, 2019.

PNPs that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest rate disaster loans. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

Disaster Designation for WV Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for counties in Ohio. Under this disaster designation, producers in contiguous counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia also qualify for benefits. WV counties include: Cabell, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Tyler, Wayne, and Wood Counties.

The designated counties are listed in the attached letter to the Governor of Ohio. Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

To learn more, call my office Toll Free at (855) 275-5737, email me, or find me on social media:

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