MANCHIN JOINS CONSTELLIUM TO ANNOUNCE $75 MILLION INVESTMENT IN RAVENSWOOD FACILITY

Senator Joe Manchin Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined West Virginia state and local leaders and Constellium leadership at the company’s Ravenswood, West Virginia, facility to announce a $75 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to help fund the implementation of breakthrough low-to-no emissions technologies in the Ravenswood facility

Built in 1957, with over 1,200 employees, Constellium’s plant in Ravenswood, West Virginia is one of the world’s largest rolled products facilities. The facility produces plate, sheet, and coil products for aerospace, defense, transportation, marine, and industrial uses.

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West Virginia is one of the most flood susceptible states in the nation. The risks are projected to increase in the coming years. Provided by both federal and state resources, the WV Flood Tool is an interactive map with a range of information, including flood hazard zones and detailed topographical information, for the entire state of West Virginia. 

The West Virginia Flood Resiliency Public Survey is being conducted by a team of researchers in partnership with state agencies and community organizations to understand the experiences of West Virginians affected by floods in their communities.

MANCHIN CELEBRATES 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, APPLAUDS INFLATION REDUCTION ACT’S EXPANSION OF COVERAGE

Thanks to the extension of the Advanced Premium Tax Credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, ACA Health Insurance Marketplace enrollments hit a record 21.3 million this year. West Virginia saw the single largest enrollment change of any state between the 2023 Open Enrollment Period and the 2024 Open Enrollment Period – an impressive 80.2% increase.

Since its enactment on March 23, 2010, the ACA, the comprehensive healthcare reform law, has led to a historic advancement of health coverage and equity in the United States, including lowering the cost of insurance premiums, closing the Medicaid coverage gap and keeping kids covered. 

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Thomas, of Martinsburg, contacted my office for assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2023, Mr. Thomas filed two claims with the Veterans Administration for disability benefits. Shortly after his stay at the hospital, his benefits were expected to be received. As a result of my inquiry, Mr. Thomas was awarded a new disability rating and back payments.

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.

JOB FAIR - On Wednesday, May 8, a job fair will be held at the Berkeley County Recreation Center in Martinsburg. Employers and resume specialists will be on site for in-person interviews and to provide assistance to job seekers. To Reserve Your Space, please call 304-264-6133 or email sheimberger@region7workforce.org. 

DISASTER ASSISTANCE - FEMA is currently offering assistance to those affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides in August 2023. Individuals may apply for assistance by registering online, by calling 1-800-621-3362. Businesses who were affected may apply online, call 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.The deadline to register is Monday, April 1. Several local Disaster Recovery Centers are open to assist with FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. 

You should register even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but if you have losses insurance doesn’t cover, you may receive help from FEMA after your insurance claims are settled.

FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANTS - The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations. Applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 will be accepted until Friday, April 12. 

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students pursuing eligible primary care health professions training. Applications will be accepted through Monday, April 25.

EDUCATOR RESOURCES - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s 2024 National Summer Teacher Institute is a free, multi-day professional development training opportunity designed to support teachers with tools to unlock the power of intellectual property, invention, education and STEM. Applications are due by Sunday, March 31.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES - America’s Field Trip is a nationwide scholastic contest designed to actively engage America’s youth in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From now until Friday, May 17, elementary, middle and high school students are invited to submit artwork, videos or essays on topics relating to American history, civics and culture. Find the official prompt and submission guidelines online, as well as stories from individual citizens who are helping create the most inclusive commemoration in our nation's history. 

USDA GRANTS - Applications for grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program will be accepted until Tuesday, April 16. Funding is available to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.

TAX SUPPORT - MyFreeTaxes is a service provided by United Way that offers comprehensive, no-cost tax preparation and filing services to the public. The main Helpline can be reached at 1-866-698-9435 or through this Contact Form. To learn more about VITA and free tax preparation services, click here. 

BLOOD DONATIONS - The West Virginia Department of Health is partnering with the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region to increase the number of blood donations in the area. The blood supply has currently fallen to critically low levels and donations are needed right now to help alleviate the shortage. Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED INDIVIDUALS - Many clinics throughout the state offer free or low-cost health care options for West Virginians. Use this search tool to find a clinic in your area. 

Find job opportunities in your area:
USAJOBS.gov - the federal government’s official employment site with opportunities across the United States and around the world
Governmentjobs.com - Search for and apply to government jobs 
State of West Virginia job opportunities
WorkForce WV employment database
National Labor Exchange job postings
Department of Transportation open job postings
Department of Education job opportunities

WV Women Work - skilled trades training for women
Public Service Training and certification
Career training programs

ICYMI: MANCHIN SPEAKS IN SUPPORT OF AMENDMENT TO BLOCK ADMINISTRATION’S ATTEMPT TO FORCE AMERICANS INTO PURCHASING ELECTRIC VEHICLES

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON TREASURY’S PROPOSED RULES FOR IRA’S ENERGY COMMUNITY BONUS

MANCHIN, COMMITTEE CONSIDER NOMINEES TO THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

ALL ENERGY NEWS

The U.S. military academies host a variety of annual summer programs. From sports camps to STEM learning, cadets have the opportunity to engage in a variety of academic, athletic and professional training. 

Applications are open to the public. Deadlines and session schedules vary based on location. Need-based scholarships or financial assistance may be available. 

West Point Summer Leadership Program
Naval Academy Summer STEM Program and Seminar - for grades 9-12
Coast Guard AIM Program - Application/Informational Virtual Event
Merchant Marine Academy Virtual Sessions - Wednesdays at 3:00PM
Army Sports Camps - offered by Army West Point Athletics
Naval Sports Camps - 2024 dates coming soon
Air Force Sports Camps - registration is now open
Merchant Marine Academy Admissions Visits

Air Force Academy Summer Seminar - accepting applications for summer 2025

Stay connected to all Service Academy Initiatives

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