Last week I visited the Gassaway Kroger with CEO Rodney McMullen, his team, and community members after Kroger leadership announced in November that the store would remain open. I greatly appreciate Kroger leadership’s willingness to consider the impacts of this closure for the community and work with UFCW Local 400 to prevent the store closure. I appreciate that Rodney also spent time with community members at the Braxton Senior Citizens Center that provides essential services for so many of our fellow West Virginians.

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Thank you Charleston Regional Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to address legislators and leaders from across West Virginia at the annual Issues and Eggs Legislative Breakfast. Thanks to recent legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, West Virginia is primed to lead the way in America's energy future in 2023 and beyond. 

Last Monday I welcomed Bill Gates, Founder of Breakthrough Energy, to West Virginia to highlight the role the Mountain State has played in powering our nation and showcase the opportunities — made possible through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — to invest in our existing energy infrastructure, new advanced energy technologies and energy manufacturing in West Virginia that could help the nation become energy independent. 

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“Dr. King taught us that the values of love, unity and forgiveness are some of the most important values in our society. Dr. King inspired countless Americans across our country to improve and make a difference for others, and that continues to guide millions of Americans today."

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Mr. Coulson of Buffalo, WV contacted my office asking for assistance obtaining 501(c)(3) status for the Buffalo October Fest Corporation. As a result of an inquiry from my office to the Internal Revenue Service, the status was granted.

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.

GET 4 FREE COVID-⁠19 TESTS - Every U.S. household is now eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-⁠19 tests from the government. Visit Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Order tests through USPS by filling out this online form. 

REPORT YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULTS - Self-report your at-home test results at MakeMyTestCount.org.

UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS - Patients who do not have health insurance can receive free masks, testing, vaccines, boosters and free or low-cost treatment. Learn More

NEW GRANT SUPPORT FOR WATER SYSTEMS - Nonprofit organizations, private universities/colleges and public institutions of higher education may search www.grants.gov (Opportunity number: EPA-OW-OGWDW-22-02) to apply for new grant support for water systems in rural and small communities. Applications are due January 26. 

ENERGY COMMUNITIES IWG WEBINAR SERIES - The Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization (Energy Communities IWG) is hosting a three-part webinar series to help communities identify, apply and manage financial assistance that could diversify and revitalize their economies. The webinar series will take place on January 10, January 17 and January 20. Register here

SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS - The Appalachian Regional Commission is accepting applications for two summer study two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2023, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers. Applications due February 10. Learn more

FEMA RESPONSE - There are different assistance programs for individual citizens versus public groups like government agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Find assistance and get tools to recover at https://www.fema.gov/assistance.

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.

FREE LIFETIME PASSES TO PUBLIC LANDS - For Veterans, service members and Gold Star Families. Passes can be obtained for free in person at these locations or online through the USGS Store with a processing fee.

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

Find job opportunities in your area:
WorkForce WV local job announcement flyers
WorkForce WV job search portal
National Labor Exchange job postings
Department of Transportation open job postings
DHHR open positions throughout the state​
Path to Pro Network: skilled labor jobs at companies across the U.S.
Department of Education job opportunities

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