WEST VIRGINIA AMONG FIRST STATES APPROVED FOR BROADBAND EXPANSION DOLLARS

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved West Virginia’s proposal to unlock more than $1.21 billion for high-speed internet services across the Mountain State. This historic federal investment was secured through Senator Manchin’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"This announcement is another step in the right direction of our goal to connect every West Virginian to reliable high-speed internet by the end of the decade."

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COMMONSENSE CONNECTIONS WEEK

From Monday, May 6 to Friday, May 10, representatives from Senator Manchin’s office will visit all 55 counties to hear West Virginians’ priorities and concerns and offer the Senator’s assistance with federal agencies through casework. Please note that Senator Manchin will not be in attendance.

View the full schedule of stops and map to see when Senator Manchin's representatives will be in your area

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MANCHIN QUESTIONS U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION ON SMARTER DEBT ACT, FISCAL IMPACT OF STUDENT LOAN CANCELLATION PROGRAMS

"When people call my office, we give them the fifty different variations of how they can reduce their debt by working it off. Whether it be in health professions, public service, scientific research, there are so many options."

A list of these Congressionally authorized student loan forgiveness programs is available here.

 The SMARTER Debt Act would establish an interactive, online dashboard at the U.S. Department of Education to improve public access to information about existing student loan forgiveness and repayment programs that aim to attract borrowers to public service and highly needed professions. 

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I'm honored to have delivered the commencement address for the University of Charleston's spring 2024 graduating class. To our graduates: you will face many challenges in life, but I hope you look at these challenges as opportunities to solve the problems facing our country.

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 The Capital Sports Complex, located on the site of the former Macy's, will transform downtown Charleston and draw in visitors from across the country. I applaud the City of Charleston and Kanawha County for working together to make the Capital Sports Complex a reality. Together, we will continue to revitalize Charleston and bring more positive investments that will create jobs in West Virginia.

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Michael of Wheeling contacted my office for assistance with a pending application for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. His company applied for the tax credit during the pandemic, however he had received very little information since applying. As a result of an inquiry from my office to the Internal Revenue Service, Michael's request for the ERC was approved. 

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.

With the help of my staff, I was honored to lend my support for several events in the state: celebration for Army Veteran Billy F. Garretson as he receives his high school diploma; presenting service medals for Air Force Veteran Richard Helton; opening of the Ohio Valley General Hospital and OVMC time capsules in Wheeling; Workers Memorial Day and 100th anniversary of the Benwood Mine Disaster held by the West Virginia AFL-CIO in Marshall County. 

RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES - Two prerecorded webinars (WEP CPF/CDS Awards and CF CPF/CDS Awards) are now available from USDA Rural Development. Information covered includes how to access Community Project Funding and Congressionally Directed Spending. For more information, contact the WV Rural Development State Office at 1(800)295-8228 or ocr@usda.gov.

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS - The National Health Service Corps is now accepting applications for three loan repayment programs, including the Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Program. Award amounts and eligibility requirements are based on credentials and discipline. Applications accepted until Thursday, May 9. 

FLOOD RESOURCES - 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, state agencies and community organizations to understand the experiences of West Virginians affected by floods in their communities.

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. 

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. 

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. 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

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: