VOTING RESOURCE PAGE

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. 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.

BROADBAND

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.

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 Whitmore, from Oak Hill, contacted the Senator for assistance with his claim for benefits with the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As a result of Caseworker Amber McCartney’s inquiry, James was awarded benefits as well as a retroactive payment.

From the Hill to the Mountains

WEST VIRGINIA DELEGATION URGES PRESIDENT TRUMP TO DESIGNATE STATE FUNERAL FOR LAST SURVIVING WWII MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Representatives David McKinley (R-WV), Alex Mooney (R-WV), and Carol Miller (R-WV) today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him to designate a state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Last year, the delegation wrote a similar letter to the president.

"We are writing you again to encourage you to designate a single state funeral for the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient, which would not only recognize that one veteran, but all 16 million men and women who put their lives on the line during the war to defend the freedoms that we hold dear," the delegation wrote.

SENATE COMMERCE HEARING HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR BIPARTISAN MANCHIN BILL TO AMEND SECTION 230
Manchin, Cornyn Bill Would Amend Section 230 To Stop Illicit Sale Of Opioids And Other Drugs Online
Charleston, WV – Today, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and the need for updates to the law, including changes to address illegal Internet activity. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) recently introduced the bipartisan See Something, Say Something Online Act to amend Section 230 to require companies to report illegal activities online, including the sale of opioids and other drugs, or lose their privileges under the law.

"Since the creation of Section 230 over two decades ago, the Internet has changed drastically and our laws have failed to keep up. Today’s Senate Commerce hearing highlighted the need for Congress to update Section 230 to reflect the way we use the Internet today – both good and bad. That includes the increasing use of social media platforms to buy and sell illegal drugs, and the lack of cooperation between many companies and law enforcement to stop these illegal activities. While many debate how to update Section 230, Senator Cornyn and I have introduced bipartisan, commonsense legislation to address illegal activities online. Stopping the sale of illegal opioids is something we can all agree on and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join my bipartisan, commonsense legislation to address these issues online," said Senator Manchin.

ON THE ROAD

MANCHIN RIDES CARDINAL TRAIN TO MONTGOMERY AMTRAK STATION RIBBON CUTTING

Montgomery, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) rode the Cardinal Train from Charleston to Montgomery for the Montgomery Amtrak Station ribbon cutting ceremony following a $1.8 million remodel to ensure the platform is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"I was honored to ride the Cardinal train from Charleston to Montgomery today to celebrate the renovations made at the Amtrak station. The impact of Amtrak in our state cannot be understated. For generations, Amtrak has provided safe, reliable and affordable travel. In rural parts of our state – and most of our state is rural – Amtrak provides a vital transportation service. Today’s investment is evidence of Amtrak’s continued commitment to serving each and every West Virginian. I applaud this effort and promise you I will continue to do my part in Washington to protect the Cardinal line and ensure it is accessible for everyone for many years to come,” said Senator Manchin.

More photos are available 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 .

Nominated as today’s Better Angel is Brenda Malfregeot, wife of Clarksburg City Councilman Jimmy Malfregeot. Their family recently endured a harrowing experience when an armed assailant attempted to take their vehicle. Jimmy was wounded, and the individual drove off with Brenda and her mother still in the car. Brenda was able to calmly convince the person to stop and let them go. What could have resulted in a tragedy was turned around thanks to Brenda’s bravery and quick thinking. I know I join countless West Virginians in being thankful that Jimmy is doing better and that they are all safe and sound.

Please continue sharing your stories of hope, volunteerism, and bravery with me at wvstrong@manchin.senate.gov.

(photo credit: WBOY)

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.

Advantage Valley Announces Three FASTER WV Entrepreneurship Webinars

Advantage Valley announces three upcoming FASTER WV Entrepreneurship Webinars for people interested in starting or expanding a business. There will be a webinar on November 17 to learn more about the business coaching, business training, and loan funds associated with the FASTER WV program. Anyone with a manufacturing idea may be interested in the FASTER WV Small Manufacturing webinar on November 5. The final webinar of the year will be held on December 9 for anyone interested in opening or expanding a child care business. Each webinar begins at 6 pm, is free, will last one hour, and will include panelist presentations and Q&A.

Learn more or register by clicking here.

IRS Tips to Avoid Scams

Criminals and scammers often try to take advantage of generous taxpayers who want to help disaster victims. Everyone should be vigilant. These scams often pop up after a hurricane, wildfire or other disaster.

Click here to learn more:

How scams start,
How to recognize and avoid scams, and
How to report scammers.

TESTING

Some testing sites require a physician’s order before testing. 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. If you have gone through these steps and are still having problems 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 to view our list of verified testing locations.

Add or update your organization’s testing location and hours.

For a listing of one-day, weekly, and drive-through pharmacy testing, visit the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx

Click here for WV DHHR’s latest updates to reported COVID-19 cases

Unsubscribe

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

Facebook YouTube Twitter