2020 CENSUS

Visit our 2020 Census page on our website.

The deadline to respond is October 31, 2020.

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. 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.

BROADBAND

Take a Speed Test Here.

The sad fact is that many places in West Virginia simply do not have access to reliable broadband and the lack of access affects West Virginians every day. Back in 2015, the FCC released a coverage map that stated 99.9% of Americans had wireless coverage. I knew then what I know now: That is just plain wrong.

That’s why I’m asking all West Virginians to submit your internet speed-tests, so we can prove to the FCC that our broadband coverage is well below the stated coverage. So far, your efforts have helped the FCC acknowledge that our providers are overstating their coverage, but we must continue to show where and how widespread the lack of broadband coverage is in West Virginia.

Energy Committee News

MANCHIN PRAISES SCOTUS DECISION ON ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on the United States Supreme Court decision in favor of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in overturning the Fourth Circuit Court’s decision. In August 2018, Senator Manchin led efforts on a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and federal permitting agencies encouraging them to “quickly reconsider, correct, and reissue the necessary permits” for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

“Today the Supreme Court overruled a lower court decision that halted the progress of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. This project would create jobs, invigorate our energy markets, and provide thousands of American homes and businesses with the energy they need. This pipeline would open up the East Coast with the expansion of the natural gas industry to the benefit of many states along the coast, including my home state of West Virginia which has an abundance of natural gas right under our feet. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline project has gone to extreme lengths to ensure the safety and integrity of the Appalachian Trail and the surrounding area and I am confident in their ability to maintain our great outdoor spaces while expanding our ability to increase energy production across the nation. The Supreme Court’s decision today is an important step forward, but additional regulatory hurdles remain. I look forward to seeing this pipeline completed so we can begin to reap the benefits for our energy industry and our nation as a whole.”

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:

Dean Backus of Beckley contacted Senator Manchin for help with an appointment at the Beckley VAMC. Dean had attempted to make an appointment with his primary care and was given a date more than 30 days out. He was hoping for an earlier appointment so he reached out to the Senator's office. As a result of Caseworker Angie Walsh's inquiry, Mr. Backus was given an appointment within two weeks.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN ANNOUNCES $12 MILLION TO HELP CORRIDOR H PROJECT COMPLETION

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, after a call with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Elaine Chao, announced $12 million through the DOT Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant program to help complete the section of Corridor H from Kerens to Parsons. This new funding marks nearly $150 million in federal funding for Corridor H since 2018.

“Today I spoke with DOT Secretary Chao and I am proud to announce $12 million to help complete Corridor H. I am grateful for Secretary Chao’s continued assistance to West Virginia and in particular the Corridor H project. I also want to congratulate the WV Department of Transportation for their continued efforts to finish Corridor H. The INFRA Grant program received more than 172 applications totaling over $7.2 billion in requests for a program funded at $906 million. It is a testament to the importance of completing Corridor H that WV received $12 million of those funds from DOT. When completed, Corridor H will be the economic gateway to much of West Virginia, which is why I worked hard as Governor to open more than half of Corridor H and as Senator, I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive the funding to complete Corridor H,” Senator Manchin said.

MANCHIN QUESTIONS FCC CHAIRMAN ON FIXING COVERAGE MAPS, DEPLOYING BROADBAND FUNDS

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) questioned Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai on how much funding the FCC would need to fix the current broadband coverage maps, which have been proven to be incorrect, and the distribution of funding to expand broadband access during a Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Hearing.

“Broadband mapping to me is so serious because rural America, rural Appalachia especially is going to be left behind and the greatest need we have is broadband right now… We keep having this conversation about mapping, we know the maps aren’t accurate, we’re relying on the carriers right now and the carriers are showing broad areas of coverage that they don’t have. We’ve proven that… areas that really need help that’re showing they’re already covered are not going to have money dedicated to them. What I can say is that my state is hurting. We can’t even do telehealth in about 30-40% of our state. We’ve had to switch to audio telehealth and reimburse the doctors because there is no telehealth available, that’s how critical it is, and it’s a shame. Something has to be done,” said Senator Manchin.

To watch Senator Manchin question FCC Chairman Pai, please click here.

Information is updated daily on: manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus

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.

In celebration of Flag Day this past weekend, today’s Better Angel is Albert Carey Caswell, who has written a lovely tribute in honor of the US Army’s 245th Birthday and all who defend what our nation's flag represents.

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN CALLS ON TREASURY, SBA TO SIMPLIFY PPP LOAN APPLICATIONS

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 44 Senators in calling on the U.S. Treasury Department and the Small Business Association (SBA) to simplify the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application for loans under $250,000. The current PPP loan forgiveness application is three times longer than the original loan application.

The Senators said in part, “The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been critical for helping small businesses remain viable and keeping Americans employed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we would like to make you aware of a serious problem with the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application. We have received feedback from a number of businesses and lenders that the forgiveness application is difficult to understand and to complete. We ask that the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) urgently revise the application so that it is no longer than one page for any loan under $250,000.”

Read the full letter here.

TESTING

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.

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.

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Any new additions or updates to testing sites will be included below. The full list of verified testing sites and events is available on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

NEWLY ADDED:

Free testing will be held in Ohio, Putnam and Summers counties with support from local health departments and community partners at the following times and locations:

WHEELING

LOCATION: Exley Center at Hil-Dar, 2155 Angle Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003

HOURS: June 19 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, is required to be tested. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals.

WHEELING

LOCATION: North Wheeling Dream Center, 407 Main Street, Wheeling WV 26003

HOURS: June 20 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Teays Valley Baptist Church, 3926 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane, WV 25526

HOURS: June 19 & 20 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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?

WV 211:

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.

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

THE SBA'S EIDL & ADVANCE PROGRAM PORTAL HAS REOPENED:

The U.S. Small Business Administration has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.

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

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