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:

Timothy Stacy of Raysal, West Virginia contacted the Senator seeking assistance with receiving his tax return. As a result of Caseworker Charles Walker’s inquiry to Taxpayer Advocate, Mr. Stacy was provided the necessary information and received his tax return from the IRS.

From the Hill to the Mountains

JANUARY 15, 2021: MANCHIN URGES UTILIZATION OF INCREASED FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA
Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) urged the Department of Education to swiftly implement additional support he secured in the year-end package to better assist students experiencing homelessness in West Virginia. Schools across the state have reported a significant increase in student homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senator said in part, "It is now more urgent than ever before to address the needs of students experiencing homelessness. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department’s data showed that 1.5 million homeless children and youth were identified and enrolled in public schools – an 11 percent increase over the previous school year and the highest number on record. The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated this situation, causing more families and youth to struggle without a safe, stable home environment, and creating even more barriers to their education."

JANUARY 13, 2021: DOZENS OF RURAL WEST VIRGINIA HEALTH PROVIDERS ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING AFTER MANCHIN EFFORTS
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that six West Virginia counties are now eligible for funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) which determines a large percentage of grants and awards for rural health providers. After Senator Manchin’s efforts, HRSA made revisions to the Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) codes, which changed Boone, Clay, Hampshire, Lincoln, Preston and Wirt counties from “urban” to “rural”. In October 2020, Senator Manchin submitted comments supporting the HRSA policy change.

"After pushing for over a year to change the classification system that kept rural West Virginia counties from crucial healthcare funding, HRSA announced revisions to the RUCA codes are complete, making dozens of health providers eligible for rural grants and assistance across West Virginia," said Senator Manchin. "I am pleased our hard work paid off and health providers now have access to funding that supports critical programs including black lung/coal miner clinics programs, rural opioid response programs, rural HIV/AIDS planning programs, rural telehealth programs, State Offices of Rural Health, hospital flex grants, and many more. While we did not change all of the county classifications we advocated for, I will continue to work with HRSA to change the classifications and get our health providers the funding they need to serve West Virginians."

JANUARY 13, 2021: MANCHIN CHAMPIONED RENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR WEST VIRGINIANS
Senator Manchin Led Calls For Rental Assistance In Initial COVID Relief Assistance Proposal
Charleston, WV – In December, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) championed rental assistance programs for West Virginians when he led COVID-19 emergency relief negotiations. Senator Manchin’s initial emergency relief proposal – which was the framework of the final package – included $25 billion in rental assistance. As a result of Senator Manchin’s leadership, West Virginia is slated to receive an estimated $200 million from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program that was established in the recent COVID-19 stimulus package. These funds will be administered through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund to assist Mountaineers with paying rent, utilities, and other housing-related needs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Across the state, West Virginians are struggling to find jobs, put food on the table, or keep a roof over their head due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I fought to include rental assistance in the recent COVID-19 stimulus package and now West Virginia will receive an estimated $200 million from the Emergency Rental Assistance program to provide rental assistance and help keep a roof over our neighbors’ heads. I will continue to work with federal, state, and local parties to ensure this program is up and running as quickly as possible so West Virginians can get the help they need during these difficult times," said Senator Manchin.

HONORING CHUCK YEAGER’S LEGACY

MANCHIN HONORS GENERAL CHUCK YEAGER
Charleston, WV – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), released a video tribute honoring the life and legacy of General Chuck Yeager, an American hero and native West Virginian.

"The legacy Chuck leaves is such an important part of our heritage as West Virginians. Our little state has mined the coal that forged the steel that built the tanks and ships that keep our country the strongest in the world. It is an honor to remember Chuck as part of our military service heritage and our way of life that sinks deep into the roots of West Virginia’s rich culture. I encourage all Americans to learn what they can about this legendary West Virginian,” Senator Manchin said in part.

Watch Senator Manchin’s tribute 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. 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 Angels are the volunteers for Sarah’s Table in Morgantown. This service organization, comprised of volunteers from the community as well as from St. John’s, St. Mary’s, St. Luke’s and St. Francis parishes in Morgantown, has fed the local homeless for many years and has altered their methods to continue serving the community during the pandemic. Volunteers now collect and bag individually wrapped food products and wrapped sandwiches from local restaurants for safe distribution to those in need. I thank each of you for your service and generosity to your fellow West Virginians, especially during this challenging time.

Please continue sharing your stories of hope, joy, and volunteerism by emailing your nomination and a photo to WVSTRONG@manchin.senate.gov .

WORKING FOR YOU

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $339 MILLION FOR COVID-19 RELIEF TO WEST VIRGINIA SCHOOLS
Charleston, WV - U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $339,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the most recent COVID-19 relief package to help West Virginia schools respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding can be used for testing, to address learning loss, and to assist schools in ways like improving air quality in buildings as schools prepare for eventual reopening. This funding was made available through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), and builds on a previously announced award from the CARES Act at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The COVID-19 pandemic hit our students, teachers, and faculty hard, forcing them to quickly adjust to new ways of learning and teaching. During the negotiations for the emergency COVID-19 relief package passed at the end of last year, I advocated for this funding to support our schools and students as they navigate these difficult times. I’m glad West Virginia has received this funding to help with testing and other priorities and will continue to fight for West Virginia priorities in any future relief legislation," said Senator Manchin.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE FUNDING TO EXPAND COVID-19 TESTING, VACCINE DISTRIBUTION IN 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 $119,346,660 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Of the $119,346,660 appropriated for West Virginia, $103,153,083 is allocated for expanded COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, while $16,193,577 will be used for assistance in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine.

"As cases continue to rise in West Virginia and across the nation, we must expand COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and vaccinations so we can defeat this terrible pandemic," Senator Manchin said. "This funding will help West Virginia ensure vaccines are administered to every West Virginian who wants one as they become available and will support the testing and contact tracing programs across the state that help slow the spread of the virus. We must keep working together to beat the COVID-19 virus, and I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive funding that helps our neighbors, family and friends stay as safe as possible during these difficult times.”

TESTING & VACCINE INFO

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. 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

To learn more about current COVID-19 vaccine availability, visit the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources website: https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/Pages/Vaccine.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.

Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 am ET. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.

First Draw PPP Loans are for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. Second Draw PPP Loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less, that previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use or have used the full amount only for authorized uses, and that can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is $2 million.

To find a list of participating lenders please visit the SBA Lender Match website here.

For more information please review to our SBA COVID Relief SBA One Pager (hyperlink our PDF there) or visit the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program homepage here.

Appalachian Regional Commission FY21 POWER Grants

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) released a Request for Proposals for applications for the 2021 POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. POWER seeks to diversify economies in communities and regions affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America’s energy production.

ARC is making funds available through the POWER Initiative for regional investments to develop a competitive workforce, foster entrepreneurial activities, develop industry clusters, strengthen substance abuse response, and expand broadband in coal-impacted areas. Required Letters of Intent (due Friday, March 5 by 5:00 pm EST) should be submitted via this fillable PDF form to power@arc.gov, and full applications (due Friday, April 16 by 5:00 pm EST) should be submitted online at power.arc.gov beginning Tuesday, February 16.

Interested applicants can receive virtual, technical assistance through Understanding POWER 2021: An Application Workshop at 11:00am EST on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. This session will update interested applicants on the POWER 2021 RFP and provide tips for a well-rounded application. Shortly after this session, registrants will receive links to seven prerecorded training videos, and will then have the opportunity to ask questions of ARC staff during a live Question & Answer Session on Thursday, February 25 at 11:00 am EST. Understanding POWER 2021 and the live Question & Answer Session are free to attend, although registration is required by 5:00pm EST on Friday, January 29, 2021.

The 2021 POWER Request for Proposals (RFP), workshop details, and other information about ARC’s POWER Initiative are available at arc.gov/POWER.

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