VOTING RESOURCE PAGE

Today is National Voter Registration Day!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our daily lives, including how Americans and West Virginians will be able to vote this year. The 2020 election is quickly approaching and West Virginians need access to accurate, reliable information on how to vote during these unprecedented times. This week I launched a voting resource page that compiles accurate facts on how to register to vote, polling locations, requesting an absentee ballot and more. Every eligible West Virginian should exercise their right to vote and have their voice heard this fall.

To view the voting resource webpage please click here.

2020 CENSUS

Visit our 2020 Census page on our website.

The deadline to respond is now September 30, 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. 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.

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.

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 success stories below:

James Krepps, from Worthington, contacted Senator Manchin for assistance with his claim for benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA). As a result of Caseworker Amber McCartney's inquiry, James was awarded his benefits.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the passing of United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her family. Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life to public service. She was a voice for the voiceless and built a career fighting for equal treatment under the law for every American citizen. After 27 years on our nation’s highest court and a lifetime fighting for the principles of democracy, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy. In this time of sorrow, I pray that our country can unite in sending our most heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren and all who mourn the loss of this courageous woman.”

MANCHIN: U.S. SENATE SHOULD NOT VOTE ON SUPREME COURT NOMINEE BEFORE ELECTION
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the U.S. Senate voting on a United States Supreme Court nominee before the November 3rd, 2020 presidential election.

“For the sake of the integrity of our courts and legal system, I do not believe the U.S. Senate should vote on a U.S. Supreme Court nominee before the November 3rd election. For Mitch McConnell and my Republican colleagues to rush through this process after refusing to even meet with Judge Merrick Garland in 2016 is hypocrisy in its highest form. The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and it is simply irresponsible to rush the adequate and proper vetting required of any new candidate for the bench. Pursuing an overtly partisan approach to confirming a Supreme Court Justice will only deepen the political tribalism we are witnessing across this country. I implore every Senator, regardless of party, to honor their responsibility to act in a manner that brings this country together rather than feed a cycle of endless political division.”

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $1.2 MILLION FOR TELEHEALTH SERVICES AT WVU
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,200,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to West Virginia University (WVU). This funding will help WVU support critical access hospitals by providing acute telehealth services including neurology, behavioral medicine, and case management services in emergency departments in Ripley, Gassaway, Buckhannon, and Summersville over the next four years.

“Access to telehealth services has become essential to providing West Virginians with healthcare during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For many, telehealth services provide a lifeline and I’m pleased that WVU has received this funding to support their efforts to provide West Virginians with access to telemedicine services. I will continue fighting to ensure our patients and healthcare providers receive the help they need to get the healthcare every West Virginian deserves during this public health crisis and long after,” said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN URGES COURT TO REJECT $3.5 MILLION BONUS FOR PURDUE PHARMA CEO
Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led five Senators in urging Judge Robert D. Drain to reject Purdue Pharma’s proposal to pay President and CEO Craig Landau a bonus of up to $3.5 million.

Energy Committee News

MANCHIN: MARINE RENEWABLE ENERGY AND OFFSHORE WIND WILL ADVANCE CLIMATE SOLUTIONS

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to examine emerging offshore and marine energy technologies in the United States, including offshore wind, marine and hydrokinetic energy, and alternative fuels for maritime shipping. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ranking Member of the Committee, highlighted that his bipartisan American Energy Innovation Act advances those technologies while reducing emissions and maintaining our nation’s position as a global energy leader.

“The American Energy Innovation Act will advance climate solutions across the four sectors of the economy that make up approximately 90% of our current greenhouse gas emissions. Advancing marine renewable energy and offshore wind technologies is part of that solution as well as authorizing much-needed research on the industrial equipment needed to make the shipping fuels of the future,” Ranking Member Manchin said. “In addition, the technologies we will be discussing today have the potential to create U.S. jobs for workers and communities that need a long-term lifeline. By identifying the policies and industries that will rebuild our manufacturing sector and reclaim our economic future, I believe we can help our workers and their families while reestablishing U.S. leadership in existing and entirely new energy markets.”

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

WORKING FOR YOU

In Case You Missed It: MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $452K FOR KANAWHA COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $452,459 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program for the Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority. The HCV program received additional funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and will assist the Kanawha County Housing Authority in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every West Virginian deserves to have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep, no matter where they are and no matter their circumstances. Many Americans who lost their job through no fault of their own can’t make ends meet to pay rent and provide a safe place for their families to live. This funding will help West Virginia families by providing vouchers for housing and ensuring our neighbors and friends keep their homes. This crisis is far from over and I will continue to fight for funding that supports all Americans who are struggling during this pandemic,” said Senator Manchin.

In Case You Missed It: MANCHIN URGES ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR WEST VIRGINIANS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led 31 Senators in sending a letter to President Trump urging him to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis to enact legislation that provides the emergency assistance and protections renters need to stay in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of children and youth are at risk of being evicted from their homes due to the Trump Administration’s refusal to support critical rental assistance and relief measures to protect their health and well-being during this pandemic.

The Senators said in part, “Housing instability and threat of evictions exemplify how the pandemic is falling hardest on the most vulnerable Americans, especially our children. Disruptions to every aspect of children’s lives will have lasting, detrimental effects on their health, safety, and future success. We urge you to act now and in good faith to minimize the impact of this unprecedented public health pandemic on our children’s future.”

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

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
GILBERT
LOCATION: Larry Joe Harless Center, 202 Larry Joe Harless Drive, Gilbert, WV

HOURS: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

MORGANTOWN
LOCATION: West Virginia University Student Recreation Center, 2001 Rec Center Drive, Morgantown, WV

HOURS: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

PEACH CREEK
LOCATION: Old 84 Lumber, 100 Recovery Road, Peach Creek, WV

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WAYNE
LOCATION: Wayne County Health Department, 217 Kenova Avenue, Wayne, WV

HOURS: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WHITESVILLE
LOCATION: Whitesville Fire Department, 1190 Raleigh St., Whitesville, WV

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

WINFIELD
LOCATION: Winfield High School, 3022 Winfield Road, Winfield, WV

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020
HINTON
LOCATION: Hinton Freight Depot, 506 Commercial Street, Hinton, WV

HOURS: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

SALT ROCK
LOCATION: Bloomingdale Baptist Church, 5241 State Route 10, Salt Rock, WV

HOURS: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020
OCEANA
LOCATION: Oceana Square (former Magic Mart), Highway 971, Oceana, WV

HOURS: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This testing is free and available to all residents in selected counties, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

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

__________________________

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

IRS: FAQ Updates

New info for recipients of SSA, RRB and VA benefits, including an FAQ from SSA,
Important info regarding who should/shouldn’t use the Non-filer: Enter Info Here Tool, and
New/updated info on requesting and receiving EIPs.

New FAQ from SSA added 9/11/20:

When will the IRS issue my EIP if I started receiving my monthly Social Security or SSI payment on or after January 1, 2020?

The IRS plans to issue electronic EIPs on November 4, 2020 and to issue paper check EIPs on November 6, 2020 to Social Security and SSI recipients who started receiving their monthly benefits on or after January 1, 2020. If, however, you used the IRS’ Non-Filer Tool and you did not receive your EIP yet, your EIP will likely arrive in October.

Click here for more information.

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

Facebook YouTube Twitter

Unsubscribe