June 19, 2020

We've faced challenging times in the Mountain State before and will undoubtedly face them again. One thing that never changes is that the people of our home state are the most hardworking, welcoming, and patriotic people in the nation. I know that as we continue to work through this pandemic, fight for social justice, and face whatever comes next, it is vital that we work together for the betterment of this beautiful state that has made us who we are.

Every West Virginian contributes to our state’s amazing story and today on Juneteenth, as well as this weekend on West Virginia Day, I encourage all West Virginians to seize the opportunity to imagine the future of this great state – and this nation – and reflect on how far we have come and how far we will go. Happy Birthday, West Virginia. And of course, also a very Happy Birthday weekend to a proud West Virginian and an inspiration to all - my lovely wife, Gayle!

-Joe

 

Energy Committee News

SENATE PASSES MANCHIN’S LANDMARK CONSERVATION PACKAGE 

Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, applauded the Senate passage of his Great American Outdoors Act. The landmark conservation package passed the Senate by a vote of X-X. The legislation would provide full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and finally address the approximately $20 billion deferred maintenance backlog in our Country’s public lands.

“I’m proud to have worked closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this historic conservation bill. Full and permanent funding for the LWCF is critical so our land management agencies can continue their legacy of conservation and growing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Addressing the daunting deferred maintenance needs in our national parks is long overdue and will ensure all of our public land management agencies can operate fully to maintain and protect the public lands we all cherish. In the Mountain State, we have a rich history, and at the center of it is our love and appreciation for the outdoor playground we have been blessed with. The Great American Outdoors Act will guarantee the wild and wonderful corners of West Virginia are protected for generations to come,” Ranking Member Manchin said. “I’ve seen firsthand the jobs that the outdoor recreation economy has brought to all areas of West Virginia. At a time of historic unemployment, there is simply no better time than now to pass this much needed legislation. This is a historic achievement for conservation and a testament to the strong, bipartisan work that is still possible when we put politics aside to do what is best for our country.”

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.

 

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $453K TO EXPAND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $453,597 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College to include high school students and to improve completion, retention, and enrollment of students in the program.

“The manufacturing and technology sectors are growing in West Virginia and we need an educated workforce to fill the new job opportunities,” said Senator Manchin. “It is great that Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is receiving this funding to expand their Advanced Manufacturing Technology program to include high school students, which I believe is a great way to give our high schoolers a strong education. This funding will also improve completion, retention, and enrollment for current and future students to ensure those who attend the program are ready to fill the new jobs in the West Virginia manufacturing industry. I look forward to seeing this program thrive and these students succeed as they continue on in their education and as they enter the workforce.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $26 MILLION FOR CLENDENIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $26,851,044.60 for the Kanawha County Board of Education’s School Building Authority for relocation of the Clendenin Elementary School. This funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will support the construction of Clendenin Elementary School after it was severely damaged in the 2016 flood.

“It has been nearly four years since the terrible 2016 floods that ravaged West Virginia. To this day, families and communities are still rebuilding from those terrible floods,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding has been eagerly awaited by the Clendenin community, and I am pleased to see that all of our schools damaged in those terrible floods are finally on track to be rebuilt. I have fought since the floods in 2016 to ensure every family and community received the support and help they need to recover, and I will continue to advocate for West Virginians in Washington as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic here at home. I look forward to seeing the new Clendenin Elementary School completed for generations of children to come.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE ALMOST $100K FOR SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY CONNECTIVITY PROJECT

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $99,999 for Shepherd University through the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding will support bringing fiber optic connectivity to Shepherd University’s campus, and improve overall access to internet for students, staff, and faculty.

“Across West Virginia, broadband access continues to be a critical issue for many West Virginians, especially our students who have adapted to learning from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But many of our students are at a disadvantage because of their limited access to reliable broadband, which is necessary to do their schoolwork,” said Senator Manchin. “I am pleased to see Shepherd University and the National Science Foundation are working to expand broadband access in the Eastern Panhandle to ensure students have access to reliable broadband. I will continue to fight for the expansion of broadband access and make sure that West Virginia gets its fair share of federal funding and investments. The creation of a public feedback system by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fix its incorrect broadband coverage maps is critical to rural states like West Virginia receiving federal funding to expand broadband access. No West Virginian should be left behind by the digital divide.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $7.2 MILLION FOR HEAD START IN NORTH CENTRAL WEST VIRGINIA

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $7,265,496 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Head Start programs through the North Central West Virginia Community Action Agency.

“As a strong supporter of Head Start programs for many years and a continuous advocate for Head Start funding through the Appropriations Committee, I am pleased to see West Virginia receive this funding to support Head Start programs in North Central West Virginia,” said Senator Manchin. “Head Start programs help our students have a strong start to their early education, no matter their circumstances. These programs are essential to nurturing future generations of West Virginians and ensuring they have a quality education, which every child deserves. I look forward to seeing our Head Start programs across the state thrive and will continue to fight for funding that supports education in West Virginia.”

 

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:

 

Mr. Richard Daugherty of Nitro contacted Senator Manchin’s office for assistance with obtaining a DD214 for his late father, to be used to obtain a military service grave marker.  As a result of Caseworker Sylvia Asbury's inquiries, the National Personnel Records Center was able to locate and send Mr. Daugherty’s father’s DD214. 

 

 

 

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

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN SPEAKS WITH SBA ADMINISTRATOR ABOUT CHANGES TO GRANT AND LOAN APPLICATIONS, INVITES HER TO VISIT WEST VIRGINIA SMALL BUSINESSES

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) spoke with Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza last night on the difficulties West Virginia small businesses are facing accessing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), invited Administrator Carranza to visit West Virginia small businesses, and urged her to quickly implement critical changes to make these programs work for Main Street businesses. Small businesses can call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov to receive SBA assistance.

“Last night I spoke with SBA Administrator Carranza about the challenges West Virginia small businesses have faced accessing EIDL and PPP funds. I was encouraged to hear that the SBA is moving forward to implement some of the important changes I have been calling for such as an easier forgiveness application process and more flexibility to ensure West Virginia small businesses are not penalized for complying with local and state reopening regulations,” said Senator Manchin. “While I am proud to have helped lead the charge to pass the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act earlier this month, I also know that more needs to be done. To show Administrator Carranza firsthand what our small businesses are dealing with, I invited her to join me in West Virginia to visit small businesses who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have applied for EIDL and PPP funds to help them stay afloat. Our businesses are hurting during this health crisis and deserve the same level of support as other small businesses across the nation. I look forward to showing Administrator Carranza not only our great small businesses but the resiliency of West Virginians during hard times.”

MANCHIN APPLAUDS FCC APPROVAL OF West Virginia University Health System TELEHEALTH PROGRAM APPLICATION

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval of West Virginia University Health System’s application for $780,899 to procure network upgrades, telemedicine carts, tablets, laptops, videoconferencing equipment and software licenses to provide telehealth services to West Virginians, to conduct virtual visits with patients in their homes, to give inpatients with and without COVID-19 symptoms the ability to use devices to talk with their families who are unable to visit due to distancing requirements, and to offer healthcare opportunities in remote locations to prevent the patient from traveling and risking exposure at the clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a member of the Financial Services & General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the FCC’s budget, Senator Manchin helped support $200 million in funding for the telehealth pilot program through the CARES Act.  

“West Virginia healthcare providers and patients have adjusted to new care systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including telephone-based appointments between providers and patients as well as systems for families to talk with loved ones in healthcare facilities they can’t visit,” said Senator Manchin. “On April 17th, I wrote to the FCC to advocate for the West Virginia University Health System application for funding to provide West Virginians with telehealth services, and today the FCC approved their application. This approval is great for Morgantown residents and will help West Virginians receive the care they need during this pandemic. I will continue to advocate for funding to help our healthcare providers across the Mountain State so they can care for their fellow West Virginians during this crisis.”

 

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 Angel is Jeanette Monteith, whose drive to give back to her community actually allowed her to open a business and employ others. “Make One, Donate One” her a mask-making endeavor that allows the donation of a mask for each one purchased. To keep up with demand and to help out people in her community, she’s been able to hire five assistants during this pandemic.

Jeannette is also a special education teacher - so between her work and her growing business, she has worked diligently to make an impact. Thank you, Jeannette and your team. You’re truly WV Strong.

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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:

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.


Boone County
June 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Racine Park, 446 John Slack Circle, Racine, WV 25165

Cabell County
June 26: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. & June 27: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A.D. Lewis Community Center, 1450 A.D. Lewis Avenue, Huntington, WV 

Hancock County
June 26 & 27: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mountaineer Casino, 1420 Mountaineer Circle, Track Side Building, New Cumberland, WV 

Lincoln County
June 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lincoln County High School, 81 Lincoln Panther Way, Hamlin, WV  25523

McDowell County
June 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
River View High School, 556 Mountaineer Highway, Bradshaw, WV 24817

Mingo County
June 26 & 27: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
183 East 2nd Avenue, Williamson, WV 

Raleigh County
June 23, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center, 100 Armory Drive, Beckley, WV  25801

Wyoming County
June 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Berlin McKinney Elementary School, 405 Cook Parkway, Oceana, WV 24870

June 22, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Palisades Park, 155 Park Street, Pineville, WV 24874

June 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.                                      
City Parking Lot, 316 Howard Avenue, Mullens, WV 25882                                                                
                                                                                       
June 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
374 Lizard Creek Park Road, Hanover, WV 24839

 

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.

New EZ version of the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application 

The SBA released a revised, borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that:

  • Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
  • Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
  • Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.

The EZ application requires fewer calculations and less documentation for eligible borrowers. Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form.

Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period. These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan.

 

 

FEMA Grants

FY 2020 Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grants application period is open through July 15, 5pm ET. This funding can improve, expand collaboration for catastrophic incident preparedness.

Learn more here.

 

IRS alert: Economic Impact Payments belong to recipient not nursing homes or care facilities

The Internal Revenue Service today alerted nursing home and other care facilities that Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) generally belong to the recipients, not the organizations providing the care. Read more here.

 

 

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

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