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April 22, 2020
" West Virginia is great because our people are great – Mountaineers who will always be free. We are tough, independent, inventive, and honest, our character shaped by the wilderness of our state – its rushing streams, its boundless blue skies, its divine forests, and its majestic mountains. We are West Virginians. And like the brave, loyal patriots who made our state the 35th star on Old Glory, our love of God and country and family and state is unshakeable. Many things may change throughout the years but I know that fact will always stay the same. Stay West Virginia Strong. "
- Joe
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Unemployment Assistance Available Friday |
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WORKING FOR YOU |
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MANCHIN DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM SBA ON BEHALF OF WV SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) called on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide clarification on the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and other financial assistance measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency funding packages. Senator Manchin highlighted two West Virginia owned businesses, Kin Ship Goods a local clothing and home goods store based in Charleston that proudly employs 12 hardworking West Virginians and Ellison Dozer and Service Inc., an excavation company in Elizabeth has been in business since 1987 and proudly employs 19 West Virginians. Both businesses have not received updates on their PPP or EIDL loan applications despite applying weeks ago.
Senator Manchin said in part, “When we passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act we intended to implement a robust set of programs aimed at helping the mom and pop stores sprinkled throughout states like West Virginia because they are the lifeblood of our rural economies… As of today, 80% of applicants under the Paycheck Protection Program and the EIDL program are still waiting for answers as to where their assistance is. I fear many of those are in West Virginia. To get through this pandemic and all of the ripple effects that it will have, it is going to take all of us working together, from the folks in my hometown of Farmington to leaders in Washington tasked with implementing these vital programs. West Virginians are as strong as they come, but sometimes, even we need a little help.”
MANCHIN REMAINS WORRIED EMERGENCY FUNDING WILL NOT REACH RURAL COMMUNITIES
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the bipartisan $484 billion coronavirus relief package to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program and increase funding for hospitals.
“I’m glad the Senate was able to come to a bipartisan compromise that increases funding for healthcare and small businesses, instead of Mitch McConnell’s original proposal that did nothing for healthcare and very little for small business in West Virginia. However, I remain extremely worried that it will not reach the people and the places that need it most. I will keep fighting to change the formula for distributing this emergency health care funding to ensure our rural health providers receive their fair share. I will continue to fight for our publicly owned hospitals – like those in Webster and Pocahontas counties – so that they are eligible to apply for PPP loans. And I will continue to fight to make sure small rural businesses get a fair shot and our state and local governments receive the flexible funding they need to maintain essential services now,” Senator Manchin said.
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WV STRONG |
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I was always taught that if you can count your blessings, you can share your blessings. It's my privilege to share some inspirational stories from those on the ground who are donating their time and energy to helping their fellow West Virginians. These are just a few of the countless acts of kindness happening in our state every single day. Share your stories or recommend someone to be recognized for being WV Strong by emailing WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov.
Here are some efforts, among the many, being offered to those on the frontlines:
- Beginning today, April 22 through May 5, first responders and healthcare workers can stop by any participating McDonald’s restaurant for a free “Thank You Meal." Each Thank You Meal will be available at no charge via drive thru or carry out at participating McDonald’s restaurants.
Click here to learn more.
- Earlier this month, Affiliated Financial Group, Inc. started an initiative to pump gas for nurses and healthcare workers. As of today, the group has pumped gas for over 700 of our healthcare heroes. This Friday, April 24, along with West Law Firm, Old Colony, and Victorian Finance, Affiliated Financial Group will be pumping gas for the first 200 nurses and healthcare workers from 7am to 9am at the Exxon One Stop located at 4928 MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston.
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WV 211 |
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U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is encouraging West Virginians to utilize the 2-1-1 program operated by United Way of West Virginia. 2-1-1 connects callers with health and human services resources through trained certified specialists. Anyone can call 2-1-1 to learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more.
“United Way of West Virginia provides an important service to West Virginians by helping users navigate the vast number of resources available to aid with healthcare issues, food shortages, mental health questions and more. This program is more important now than ever as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic and I commend United Way for continuing to serve their fellow West Virginians through this time,” Senator Manchin said.
“United Way’s new 2-1-1 will make information on a wide variety of local support services more accessible across our entire state,” said United Way of Central WV President, Margaret O’Neal. “Whether it’s information for locating a health clinic, finding child care programs, or getting housing assistance, 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember, go-to resource for individuals and families.”
To utilize these resources West Virginians can:
Call 2-1-1
Text your zip code to 898-211
Visit http://www.wv211.org/contact
Call toll-free 1-833-848-9905
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RESOURCES |
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Our office is working diligently to bring you the most up-to-date information as it becomes available. Click the links below for more information. All information regarding resources and more can be found on Senator Manchin's website.
Unemployment & Direct Payments
Veterans Assistance
Basic Needs
Business Assistance
Volunteer
Feeling Ill?
Any new or updated information will be posted below. All information is updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.
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TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS |
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Where can I get a test? This is a question my office has received since the beginning of this pandemic. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list; there may be more testing sites out there that are added daily. In order to provide as much reliable information as possible, I am including testing sites that are verified through an official communication or news release.
I will keep this section of my newsletter and my website as up-to-date as possible. For any organizations or health care organizations who would like their site listed, or who have updates on their hours or requirements, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov . |
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It is recommended that you seek testing only when you begin exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Click here to view the screening criteria. To report your symptoms and be directed to one of the available testing sites, contact your primary care doctor or a designated hotline for your area. Most, if not all, sites require a physician's order before testing. If you have gone through these steps and are still having issues getting a test, please email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov and a member of my staff will reach out to you to see if we can assist.
Click here for WV DHHR's latest updates to reported COVID-19 cases
Click here to find a testing site near you.
Any new additions or updates will be included below.
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CONTACT US
Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov
Social Media: Facebook Twitter YouTube
Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737 |
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