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June 12, 2020
Starting next week, you will receive this newsletter update on Tuesdays and Fridays and it will feature a new format to incorporate all the resources available to you through my office, in addition to our usual COVID-19 content. We will continue to update the coronavirus page on my website daily so you won't miss a beat on new testing locations or resources. WV Strong will continue to be featured weekly on Fridays, so please keep sharing your stories with me at WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov. We'll end the week on a high note featuring our fellow West Virginians who are showcasing the Better Angels that we all have within us.
As always, if you need assistance you may contact me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov or by leaving a message at 304-342-5855. My staff will get back to you as soon as they can.
Stay West Virginia Strong and let your Better Angel fly.
- Joe
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WORKING FOR YOU |
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MANCHIN BILL REQUIRES GOVERNOR TO GIVE COVID-19 PANDEMIC FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the Local Government Relief Act which directs states governments to provide local governments with the funding received through the CARES Act, per the U.S. Department of Treasury’s recent guidance. The Local Government Relief Act would require all states to provide 45% of the funds they received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund to local governments under 500,000 by June 30th. If states are not able to do so, they would be required to provide a detailed report on why, which would be published in the Federal Register.
“Nearly three months ago, Congress passed the CARES Act, establishing the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund to serve as a lifeline for state and local governments who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the local governments in West Virginia haven’t seen a penny of that money despite repeated requests by Congress to get the money out the door and repeated clarifications from the Treasury Department on how these funds should be used,” Senator Manchin said. “That’s why I introduced the Local Government Relief Act to direct state governments to provide local governments with a portion of the funding they desperately need right now. Congress always intended the swift allocation of these funds so the relief could reach those who needed it the most. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to quickly pass this commonsense legislation. Our local governments can’t wait any longer.”
“We appreciate our West Virginia leaders keeping local governments involved as we move forward during this unprecedented period. CARES Act funding is imperative for local government service delivery and we value the conversations taking place that can help identify the best way to help our counties and cities,” said Jennifer Piercy, Executive Director of the County Commissioners Association West Virginia, Travis Blosser, Executive Director of the West Virginia Municipal League, and Jonathan Adler, Executive Director of the West Virginia Association of Counties.
“West Virginia’s Local Health departments are fighting the COVID-19 fight every day without reimbursement for many of the expenses being incurred,” said Boyd Vanhorn, President of the West Virginia Association of Local Health Departments. “Absent some type of immediate assistance, it will become increasingly difficult for our members to sustain efforts to protect the public from the Coronavirus. Our staffs are working seven-day weeks and we need to build our infrastructure and bring on additional staff which allows us to meet the demands of this fight and meet our other public health duties. Absent help, our departments will have to make tough decisions moving forward.”
The CARES Act included $150 billion for states to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a minimum of $1.25 billion per state. Recent guidance released by the Treasury Department made it clear that States should transfer funds they received through the Coronavirus Relief Fund to local governments under 500,000 in population. Chronically underfunded local health departments have been on the frontlines of this crisis and are eligible for payroll relief through these funds. Of the 48 local health departments in West Virginia, 13% have less than 30 days cash on hand. Fire and EMS – which are facing $1.4 billion in budget losses – are also eligible. However, the National League of Cities recently released a report indicating that 32 states had not spent any of the funds they received.
Timeline of Senator Manchin’s work supporting local governments can be found here.
Bill text can be found here.
MANCHIN URGES USDA TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS TO HELP WEST VIRGINIANS ACCESS HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE FOOD
Charleston, WV – This week, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 18 colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to express concerns about how a lack of access to healthy, affordable food is hurting low-income communities and communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic. To help address the disproportionate impact of the crisis on these communities, Senator Manchin urged Secretary Perdue to identify and prioritize programs at the USDA intended to minimize food deserts, areas where people have limited access to a variety of healthy and affordable food, and support local and regional food development projects.
The Senators said in part, “Approximately 23.5 million Americans live in a food desert where the absence of a grocery store within one mile of their home makes it more difficult to purchase fresh, healthy, and nutritious food. Additionally, in some of the more rural regions of the country, individuals may have to travel further than 10 miles to the nearest grocer. Low-income Americans and people of color are more likely to live in neighborhoods with few healthy food options, and studies have shown that a significant barrier to the consumption of healthy foods in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods is limited access to a grocery store. Consequently, many in these communities are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In addition, many people in these neighborhoods do not have access to food or meal delivery services and must rely on public transportation or shared rides to purchase healthy food, increasing their potential exposure to the virus."
Read the full letter here. |
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 Shepherd University’s Kay Dartt, 3D fabrication manager, and Chase Molden, theater technical director who have facilitated the University’s production of safety shields and masks. This team has worked diligently to make these supplies even more efficient than the national standards – from the design, to the material, to considerations for the ease of production. Thank you both for your inspiring innovation.
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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. All testing sites and events are located on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.
THIS WEEKEND:
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020
BAKER
LOCATION: EA Hawse Health Center, 17978 WV 55, Baker, WV 26801
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. 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.
CHARLESTON
LOCATION: Laidley Field, 1549 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Testing open to everyone. No insurance or appointment necessary.
LEWISBURG
LOCATION: Dorie Miller Park, 2300 Rosewood Ave., Co Route 32/1, Lewisburg, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, 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.
LEWISBURG
LOCATION: 401 Feamster Road, Lewisburg, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
LOGAN
LOCATION: Cora Volunteer Fire Department, 28 Aldridge Branch, Logan, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, 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.
MATHIAS
LOCATION: EA Hawse Health Center, 106 Harold K. Michael Drive, Mathias, WV 26812
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. 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.
MOOREFIELD
LOCATION: EA Hawse Health Center, 8 Lee Street #127, Moorefield, WV 26836
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. 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.
PARKERSBURG
LOCATION: Parkersburg High School, 2101 Dudley Avenue, Parkersburg, WV 26101
HOURS: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
This testing is available to all individuals in Wood County, 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.
PETERSBURG
LOCATION: EA Hawse Health Center, 111 South Grove Street, Petersburg, WV 26847
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. 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.
ROMNEY
LOCATION: EA Hawse Health Center, 22338 North Western Turnpike, Romney, WV 26757
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The tests are free of charge to everyone but if you have insurance, please bring your card(s). There is no copay or cost to the public. Even if you have no insurance, the test is still free through State sponsored payment. People are requested to remain in your cars as you progress through the line.
Testing is available to all individuals, including asymptomatic individuals. 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.
WEIRTON
LOCATION: Weirton Event Center, 3322 East Street, Weirton, WV
HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This testing is available to all individuals in the county, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Identification, such as a driver's license, 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.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020
GRANT TOWN
LOCATION: Grant Town Community Center/Fire Department, 110 Ballah Ave., Grant Town, WV 26574
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Testing available to anyone. Valid ID required. Active phone number required.
GRANTSVILLE
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 visi.
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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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