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May 22, 2020
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2020 CENSUS |
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VISIT OUR NEW 2020 CENSUS PAGE ON MANCHIN.SENATE.GOV
"When you respond to the 2020 Census, you help inform how billions of dollars in federal funding flows into communities across West Virginia, including money for schools, hospitals and health clinics, roads, public transportation, and other vital services. Unfortunately, West Virginia has one of the lowest 2020 Census response rates in the country. If we don’t respond to the Census, we will miss out on important federal funds that make our communities stronger. Every person in West Virginia that does not respond to the Census equates to $20,000 lost in federal funds for West Virginia and our communities over the next ten years. If 100 people do not respond, that's $2 MILLION lost in federal funds to West Virginia over the next ten years. We simply can’t afford that. So please, Be Counted and respond to the census today by visiting 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. Responding to the Census by phone or online is safe and secure, and it only takes a few minutes of your time. So again, please respond to the Census today by visiting 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. Thank you."
- Joe
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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.
Today’s Better Angels are the team at Preston County Workshop, which is a partner of the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. This group provides a vital service, and recently donated many crates of fruit and vegetables to The Pantry Plus More, Feed Mon Kids and Food For Preston to distribute to individual families in need in the community. Thank you to Executive Director John Hyre, Jeremy Hyre, and everyone involved in this outstanding program.
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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.
TESTING EVENTS:
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2020
CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center, 1701 5th Avenue, Charleston
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
FAIRMONT
LOCATION: Windmill Park, 900 Ogden Avenue, Fairmont
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
HUNTINGTON
LOCATION: 16th St. Baptist Church, 1647 9th Avenue, Huntington, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: WVU Coliseum parking lot, 3450 Monongahela Blvd, Morgantown, WV 26505
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: Mountainview Elementary School, 661 Green Bag Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, will be required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020
HAMLIN
LOCATION: Lincoln Conty Health Department, 8008 Court Ave, Hamlin, WV 25523
HOURS: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
On Tuesday, May 26th, the Lincoln County Health Department with have a FREE COVID-19 TESTING CLINIC at the Health Department, located behind the courthouse. The event will be by APPOINTMENT ONLY between 9 am and 3 pm. CALL (304) 824-3330 to reserve your time for this clinic as available time slots are filling quickly.
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020
FAIRLEA
LOCATION: West Virginia State Fairgrounds, 947 Maplewood Ave, Lewisburg, WV 24901
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Community-wide drive thru testing for Greenbrier County will be available at the WV State Fairgrounds from 9am – 1pm on Monday, June 1. Greenbrier County Health Department will be conducting the testing. Antibody testing will not be available at this testing site.
More events listed here. |
WORKING FOR YOU |
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ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE NEWS: Manchin Secures Floor Time For Great American Outdoors Act
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement after he successfully secured floor time for the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) when the Senate returns from legislative recess in June.
“I am excited to get to work on passing the Great American Outdoors Act when we return from recess in June. The GAOA is an example of the important, bipartisan work that can be accomplished when we put politics aside and work together for the American people. In West Virginia, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is responsible for much of the access to the Gauley and New rivers. GAOA will permanently fund this important program. It will also finally address the gigantic maintenance backlog in our national parks.
“As we all navigate the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, our outdoor spaces are more important than ever. They also offer critical economic opportunities at a time when many are out of work through no fault of their own. This bill will be a historic achievement, an economic stimulus when we desperately need one and protect our most treasured outdoor lands for generations to come.”
MANCHIN, HYDE-SMITH, MURKOWSKI, TORRES SMALL, HAGEDORN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL TO SECURE FUNDING FOR RURAL HEALTH PROVIDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the bipartisan Save Our Rural Health Providers Act which creates a new formula – otherwise known as the “Manchin Formula” to ensure the Provider Relief Fund has a dedicated set-aside amount directed towards rural areas of America. Representatives Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-02) and Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01) will introduce the House of Representatives companion bill tomorrow.
The “Manchin Formula” sets the following guidelines:
-A 20 percent Rural Benchmark in the Provider Relief Fund
-Priority should be granted to facilities that have been significantly affected by COVID-19 preparation
-Priority should be granted for facilities that provide care for a disproportionally high percentage of Medicare and Medicaid patients
-Priority should be granted for facilities that provide care for populations with above average senior populations or co-morbidities that are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 and for populations in areas:
1.With limited access to health infrastructure;
2.With high uninsured patients.
“Plain and simple, it’s harder to serve our rural communities – especially when it comes to providing reliable and affordable healthcare – and in the middle of a health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has touched all of our lives, and we must do everything we can to ensure every West Virginian has access to the healthcare they need and deserve,” Senator Manchin said. “Across West Virginia, our rural health providers are functioning on shoestring budgets while caring for West Virginians during the COVID-19 pandemic. I continue to hear from providers that they need help to stay afloat. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan and bicameral Save Our Rural Health Providers Act to secure a set-aside of the remaining Provider Relief Fund for rural health providers using the “Manchin Formula”. My proposed formula would secure funding for rural health providers by accounting for high percentages of Medicare and Medicaid patients, COVID-19 preparations, and vulnerable populations. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to include this legislation in the next COVID-19 relief funding package so that rural health providers in West Virginia and across America are supported while they care for those affected by this terrible virus.”
MANCHIN URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO EXTEND BENEFITS TO COVID-19 DEPLOYED GUARDSMEN
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) issued the following statement on President Trump’s policy to end National Guard federal deployments on June 24th. As a result, these service members will be one day short of the 90-days necessary to qualify for early retirement and education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI bill.
“The men and women of the West Virginia National Guard are the best our nation has to offer. Right now they are deployed to areas hard hit by COVID-19 to administer tests and supply safety equipment. As they always have, they are risking their safety to protect us. It’s unfathomable they would be denied the benefits they have earned because the Administration chooses to end deployments one day early. I urge the President to reconsider this decision and ensure every one of our nation’s brave members of the National Guard get the benefits they have earned,” Senator Manchin said.
TREASURY SECRETARY CONFIRMS TO MANCHIN COVID-19 FUNDS CAN BE SHARED WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Washington, DC – After continuing to hear from concerned local leaders across West Virginia, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) spoke with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin today about COVID-19 pandemic relief funding for West Virginia and received confirmation that the funding can be shared with state and local governments to cover salaries and benefits for employees responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today I had a productive call with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin regarding the Coronavirus relief fund money Congress sent to the states over a month ago in the CARES Act to assist Governors as they work with county and local officials to battle this terrible pandemic. In our call, Secretary Mnuchin made it clear that their agency guidance never intended to leave any frontline workers behind. Secretary Mnuchin made it explicitly clear that Treasury guidance allows states to allocate funds to local governments to cover eligible salaries and benefits of public safety, public health, and similar employees who are substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency from March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. I again urge the state to distribute a portion of the $1.25 billion it has received from Congress through the CARES Act to cover these eligible expenses for West Virginians before it is too late, and to do this without burdening local governments with additional bureaucratic hurdles. I will continue to work with state and federal leaders on additional flexibility to address revenue shortfalls, but we must get our municipalities and counties the resources they need today as they face tough financial decisions which could possibly cut essential services which all West Virginians rely on.”
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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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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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