MANCHIN EFFORTS RESULT IN FCC RELEASING UPDATED BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS

These updated maps will provide the basis for billions of dollars in infrastructure funding to ensure every American and West Virginian gets reliable, affordable broadband access. 

After years of pushing the Federal Communications Commission to update their incorrect broadband coverage maps, I am pleased the FCC has taken our feedback – including over 2,400 speed tests from West Virginians that prove their maps are incorrect – to update these coverage maps. I fought to ensure that anyone can challenge the accuracy of these coverage maps.

I encourage every West Virginian to check their coverage on the FCC’s updated map and submit a challenge if it is wrong before January 13th. 

VIEW THE UPDATED MAPS AND CHECK YOUR COVERAGE

READ THE PRESS RELEASE 

On November 20, 1968, West Virginia lost 78 brave coal miners in the Farmington No. 9 mine disaster - including my uncle John, my neighbor and several of my high school classmates. Please join Gayle and I in remembering and honoring these courageous West Virginians.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

Father Thomas of Ohio County contacted my office for assistance in obtaining his Green Card. He serves West Virginia as a parish priest with the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese; it had been 3 years since he had visited his family in India. My staff was able to assist Father Thomas by contacting US Citizenship and Immigration Services and seeing him through the process. Father Thomas received his Green Card and was able to return to India to visit his family whom he missed very much.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with a state or federal agency, please contact my office at 304-342-5855.

HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT

New guidelines will lower the cost of of healthcare for most West Virginians, including those who received unemployment, qualified for a stimulus check or rely on COBRA. Get more information about Affordable Care Act health insurance options at https://www.healthcare.gov. Download this checklist to make sure you have everything you’ll need to apply.

WV Navigator offers free enrollment assistance for anyone navigating plan features, benefits and costs. Call 1-844-WV-CARES or get in-person assistance at locations in the Clarksburg, Fairmont, Elkins and Beckley areas. Full calendar of upcoming events

Medicare Open Enrollment Period is now until December 7th. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, seniors will have lower premiums, free access to critical vaccines and a $35 monthly cap on insulin. Find and compare 2023 health and drug plans now, make changes or enroll today by visiting https://www.medicare.gov.

LEARN HOW THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT WILL IMPACT MEDICARE

Looking for a job? Find job opportunities in your area:
WorkForce WV local job announcement flyers
WorkForce WV job search portal
National Labor Exchange job postings
West Virginia Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR’s full list of open positions throughout the state​
Path to Pro Network: skilled labor jobs at companies across the U.S.

FREE ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS - Veterans, service members and Gold Star Families now have access to free lifetime passes for more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the nation, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. Military-Lifetime Passes can be obtained for free in person at these locations or online through the USGS Store with a processing fee.

SOCIAL SECURITY ONLINE SERVICES - A new online service is available for West Virginians. Residents can use their my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits or manage the benefits they already receive. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to learn more and create a free and secure my Social Security account.

AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS - While you can no longer get free COVID-19 test kits from the federal government, if you have health insurance, including Medicare, you’re covered for 8 free at-home COVID-19 tests each month. Purchase over-the-counter from an in-network pharmacy or store or submit a claim after purchase. Get additional COVID resources, see a list of participating pharmacies in your area or find resources for uninsured individuals. 

FEMA RESPONSE IN WV - Federal Emergency Management Agency financial assistance has reached $100 million for West Virginia in its ongoing fight against COVID-19. Learn more about FEMA’s response including funeral assistance, vaccine support and how to avoid the latest scams at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus. 

WEATHER EMERGENCIES - The Federal Trade Commission has gathered useful information about assistance with emergencies including tips related to preparation, insurance, finances, scams and rehabilitation. Learn more at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE - U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available to businesses and homeowners recovering from May 6th flooding in Cabell County and surrounding areas. Check the list of Current Declared Disasters for details. Application deadlines are Nov 14th and June 15th.

FOSSI SCHOLARSHIP - For graduating high school seniors. Direct questions to FOSSI@americanchemistry.com. See application requirements for more details. Application deadline is January 31.

MANCHIN, COMMITTEE CONSIDER ENERGY NOMINEES
During the hearing, Chairman Manchin questioned all three nominees.

MANCHIN, BARRASSO, BROWN AND CRAMER URGE SENATE APPROPRIATORS TO FUND CARBON MATERIALS SCIENCE INITIATIVE IN FY23
to research converting coal and coal waste into raw materials necessary for advanced technologies and industrial applications.

ALL ENERGY NEWS

Students from 22 counties have been nominated to the U.S. Service Academies, which include the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. Final admission is determined by the respective academy.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

"I am honored to recommend these 41 young men and women who feel a calling to serve our country, and I am confident our service academies will develop them into our next generation of military leaders."

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with
a state or federal agency, please contact one of my offices: