June 8, 2020

These many weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic began have been tough, to say the least.  Many people are still struggling and if there's one thing we know here in Almost Heaven, it's that you don't get to the top of a mountain by falling there.  We've seen our communities rise up, despite their own personal struggles, to help others in need. No small act of kindness has gone unappreciated. These endeavors have allowed us to move forward, even if it feels like it's inch-by-inch, and to look forward to the next day. 

As our businesses start to reopen and we begin to look ahead, the time has come for this newsletter resource to integrate more than COVID-19-related content. There are issues of blatant injustice in our country that cannot be ignored. No issue takes precedence over another, but each must be addressed and my hope is that this newsletter can remain a positive resource for all.

This update will now operate Monday through Friday with a weekly WV Strong feature, and will eventually return to weekly newsletters. Please continue to email me at WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov to showcase our Better Angels who are making a positive impact every day. My office will continue to update the coronavirus page on my website daily with information for businesses, testing, resources, and more. And I will continue to fight to make sure our main streets and rural communities get their fair share for the hits they've taken during this pandemic. We still have far to go, but together we can continue to work our way toward a bright and hopeful future.

- Joe

WV STRONG

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 involved with the Fun Fitness Foundation based out of Kanawha County. Their Fun Fitness initiative became wildly popular throughout the month of May and has inspired our state’s youth to participate in this healthy lifestyle challenge. Because of our limitations on some public outdoor activities, this has been a wonderful way to keep our kids active and healthy, even indoors.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN HOSTS FIRST VIRTUAL LISTENING SESSION WITH REVEREND ENGLISH

Charleston, WV – On Friday evening, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) hosted a virtual listening session with Reverend Ronald English and other leaders in the faith community via Facebook Live. The listening session was the first of the From Hurt to Healing series that aimed to amplify African American voices and encouraged every West Virginian and American to think about how we can move forward toward an equal and more just society.

“I am grateful to have had Reverend Ronald English join me tonight for a productive conversation about how we can move forward from this painful time toward a more just society. Like many West Virginians, I have been heartbroken by the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and many other African American men and women. The organized demonstrations in communities across the country make it clear: what we have been doing to address the systemic racism in our country is not enough. In the last few weeks, I’ve thought a great deal about what I can do to promote positive change. One important thing I can do is to listen to our African American neighbors and do my part to amplify their voices. I will continue to do just that,” Senator Manchin said. 

MANCHIN PRAISES FUNDING FOR WHEELING STREETSCAPE PROJECT

Charleston, WV – Today U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) praised the announcement of $25 million in funding for the Wheeling Streetscape Project. The Wheeling Streetscape Project will enhance safety and accessibility, beautify the downtown area, upgrade critical downtown utility systems, and help attract new businesses and downtown housing investments.

“It is great to see Wheeling finally receive the funding needed to complete the Wheeling Streetscape Project to revitalize their downtown area with safety and utility upgrades and changes to help attract new businesses. I have supported this project for years, and have worked closely with Mayor Elliott to get this across the finish line. Last year, I spoke with Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao directly about the importance of this project. I am pleased this project is receiving that support from the WVDOT,” Senator Manchin said. “When completed, this project will boost Wheeling’s economy, draw in small businesses, and spur economic development throughout the area. I look forward to visiting the new and improved downtown Wheeling and will continue to work with the citizens of Wheeling to ensure they receive the help needed to complete this great project.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $10 MILLION FOR HEAD START PROGRAMS

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $10,082,592 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support Head Start programs across West Virginia.

“As a longstanding supporter of Head Start programs, I know early education is an essential part of our children’s lives and will ensure a brighter future for generations of West Virginians. Head Start programs serve every child no matter their background and circumstance, and I am proud to continue to support these vital programs for our state. Every child deserves an equal chance at receiving a quality education, and I will continue to advocate for funding that will improve the lives of every child across the Mountain State,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN APPLAUDS $11.7 MILLION IN ARC FUNDING FOR WEST VIRGINIA PROJECTS

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the allocation of $11,785,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for projects to improve communities across West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Manchin advocated for an increase in ARC funding to directly benefit rural states like West Virginia.

“The ARC supports projects across West Virginia that improve our state. These funds will be used to strengthen rural health, improve infrastructure, and expand business opportunities for communities across the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said. “As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive funding that supports West Virginians as we invest in our own communities and work to better our state.”

MANCHIN QUESTIONS VA ON VETERAN TESTING ISSUES AND CLARKSBURG VAMC INVESTIGATION

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie and Dr. Richard Stone, Executive in Charge of the Veterans Health Administration on Veterans having issues with receiving and paying for drive-through and mobile COVID-19 testing as well as an update on the Clarksburg Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) investigation into the deaths of up to 11 Veterans in 2018.

“Veterans are having a hard time, they’re confused about the testing, they’re told they have to pay for it or being preapproved and going through all the red tape. Have you been able to work through that to clarify this for them to make sure that our Veterans can get tested as needed?” Senator Manchin said, “On the VA in Clarksburg, it’s been two years… do you see any end in sight? These families being left in limbo is awful.”

WV 211

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

RESOURCES

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?

#MASKUPWV

WV STRONG

Any new or updated information will be posted below. All information is updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans would provide cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. If employers maintain their payroll, the loans would be forgiven, which would help workers remain employed, as well as help affected small businesses and our economy.

Under the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act which was signed into law on June 5, 2020, the covered period for using a PPP loan has been extended from 8 to 24 weeks or December 31, 2020, whichever is earlier. Up to 40 percent of the PPP loan may be used for non-payroll costs and still be eligible for total loan forgiveness. The terms of the PPP loans that are not forgiven is changed from 2 to 5 years.

More information:

PPP Overview https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-overview

PPP Borrower Information Fact Sheet https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-borrower-information-fact-sheet

PPP Lender Information Fact Sheet https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-lender-information-fact-sheet

PPP Borrower Application https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-application

PPP Lender Application https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-lender-application-form

Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act Fact Sheet: https://www.manchin.senate.gov/download/ppp-flexibility-act-one-pager

TESTING / COLLECTION LOCATIONS

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 .

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.

JUNE 15

MT. ZION
LOCATION: Calhoun County Middle/High School, 50 Underwood Circle, Mt. Zion, WV 26151
HOURS: 10am – 2pm

Testing is free. Drive through testing is for residents of Calhoun and Gilmer County only. To expedite the process, you may print and fill out a registration form here and bring it to your visit.


JUNE 16

GLENVILLE
LOCATION: Glenville State College Waco Center, 921 Mineral Road, Suite 101 Glenville, WV 26351
HOURS: 10am – 2pm

Testing is free. Drive through testing is for residents of Calhoun and Gilmer County only. To expedite the process, you may print and fill out a registration form  here  and bring it to your visit.

CONTACT US

Email: common_sense@manchin.senate.gov  

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Or call the Charleston Office Toll-Free: (855) 275-5737