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:

Mr. Dave Sisler, Commander of the VFW Post #4442 in Wheeling, contacted the Senator’s office because he received a letter from the IRS stating a lien was going to be put on the VFW’s building due to back taxes and missing tax returns. After Caseworker Kim Berry’s inquiry was submitted, the Tax Payer Advocate Service identified that the IRS did not have the correct contact information for the VFW. The VFW worked directly with the IRS and filed all of the missing tax returns. The IRS placed the back taxes in non-collectable status and suspended the lien on the VFW building.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF CHARLESTON POLICE OFFICER CASSIE JOHNSON
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today released the following statement on the death of Charleston police officer Cassie Johnson.

"Gayle and I are absolutely heartbroken to hear of Patrolman Cassie Johnson’s passing. I know our entire home state feels the loss of a first responder – those who are selflessly willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our communities. Cassie’s legacy and service will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to Cassie’s family and to her many friends and colleagues with the Charleston Police Department, the City of Charleston, and the community.”

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. I’ve been seeing so many great WV Strong and Better Angels stories. During these unprecedented times, it’s important to focus on all the wonderful things that are still happening every day in our beautiful state.

Nominated as today’s Better Angel is First Lieutenant Fred Omar Pratt, whose legacy was recently honored with the dedication of the First Lieutenant Fred Omar Pratt Memorial Bridge in Moorefield.

Pratt enlisted in the Army in Oct. 1958, and served in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. He was a Ranger and distinguished graduate of the Airborne School and he volunteered for Special Forces in 1962. He earned the Green Beret and his commission as an officer, completed Rotary Wing flight training, and returned to Vietnam in June 1968, assigned to the 155th Assault Helicopter Company. He was fatally wounded by enemy fire and Pratt’s co-pilot was forced to land the damaged aircraft.

Posthumously, Pratt received the Silver Star for gallantry in action; the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism; the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters; and the Purple Heart (two awards). In June 1974, the U.S. Army named Building 4901, the Flight Simulator Building, at the Aviation School on Fort Rucker, “Pratt Hall."

Pictured: Omar’s siblings and friend (L-R) Landon Shobe, Gilbert Terry, Murphy Pratt, Janet Pratt Bosley, Chester Pratt, and Jake Pratt.

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

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN APPLAUDS ADMINISTRATION DECISION TO EXTEND TITLE 32 ORDERS FOR NATIONAL GUARD COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Trump Administration’s decision to extend the National Guard Title 32 502(f) orders through March 2021 for COVID-19 pandemic response across the United States and West Virginia. Since March, National Guard units in West Virginia have supported response to help West Virginians, from distributing much-needed food supplies, to running remote testing locations, and assisting as needed across the state.

"Our National Guardsmen and women have continued to serve our nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping distribute vital supplies and supporting our front line workers across West Virginia and the United States. I am pleased President Trump heeded our calls to extend the Title 32 orders for our servicemembers on the front lines of this terrible pandemic," said Senator Manchin. “Although this is a step in the right direction to ensuring our servicemembers have the support they need while on the front lines, I urge President Trump to also support my bipartisan, bicameral bill, the Support Our National Guard Act, which ensures transitional healthcare benefits for our servicemembers after they complete their service. Our servicemembers deserve to be taken care of during and after their service to our nation and my bill would do just that. I applaud today’s announcement and will continue to advocate for our men and women on the front lines of this pandemic."

In August, Senator Manchin urged the Trump Administration to restore full funding for the National Guard COVID-19 pandemic response. In May, Senator Manchin successfully advocated for the extension of Title 32 orders through mid-August and introduced the Support Our National Guard Act, a bill to provide transitional healthcare benefits to National Guard servicemembers who have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic under Title 32 502(f) orders.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON LEADERSHIP SUPPORT FOR BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FRAMEWORK
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on the statement of support from Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi on the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief framework announced yesterday.

"The bipartisan, bicameral framework we released yesterday is the culmination of weeks of discussion, compromise and negotiation. I’m glad Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi recognize the importance of getting something done and I hope Senator McConnell and Minority Leader McCarthy will join us in these good faith negotiations for emergency relief. The American people cannot wait any longer.”

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

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

__________________________
All information is available and updated daily on manchin.senate.gov/coronavirus.

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