WV JOBS

Introducing the New Dedicated Job Search and Career Resource for West Virginians

Together with the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation (DRWV) – an organization dedicated to diversifying and enabling West Virginia’s economic growth and success, and Jobcase – a social platform for the “future of work,” I am proud of the soft launch of DiscoverWVJobs.com, a new public-private collaboration to support workers and job seekers in West Virginia. The platform will provide improved access to career info, and directly match people to local jobs. It can be found at www.DiscoverWVJobs.com.

The official launch for the site will occur in the fall, offering even more jobs and other content from additional partners from across the state.

Job Fairs

I am proud to have co-hosted over 46 major hiring events throughout the state since 2015. If you are looking for a job, want to change your career, or enhance your skills, these job fairs are the places to be!

Click here to stay up-to-date.

Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Career Fair
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Date: Friday, Sept. 27
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Click here to register.

Scheduling

My staff and I participate in events and meetings across the Mountain State throughout the year. From Skypes with classrooms, to small business ribbon cuttings, job fairs, and Manchin Mobile Mondays, we are honored to receive your invitation.

To invite the Senator to your event, click here.

Manchin Mobile Monday

Every Monday, members of my staff are available in easily accessed locations across the state to assist with constituent services and to bring your thoughts and concerns directly back to me. Below are next week's times and locations for Monday, September 23.

Hedgesville

Hedgesville Public Library

207 North Mary Street

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Staff: Regional Coordinator Keith McIntosh will attend.

Welch

Welch Public Library

90 Howard Street

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Staff: Regional Coordinator Ali Mitchell will attend.

From the Hill to the Mountains

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF STEVEN VERNON KEENEY AT KANAWHA COUNTY MINE FACILITY

Gayle and I send our hearts out to Steven Vernon Keeney’s family and loved ones and we, like all West Virginians, will keep them in our prayers. Every day, our mine workers put their lives on the line as they enter the mines and power our nation, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. We are forever thankful for Steven Vernon Keeney and his contribution to our state; this is truly a tragic loss.

MANCHIN SPEAKS WITH SECRETARY DEVOS ON EFFORTS TO ADDRESS STUDENT HOMELESSNESS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Secretary DeVos and I had a very productive conversation regarding student homelessness in West Virginia and across the United States. There are more than 10,000 students who have been identified as homeless in West Virginia, but we know that number is likely much higher. This is absolutely unacceptable. I am very pleased that Secretary DeVos articulated her shared commitment to assisting West Virginia’s homeless students and pledged to visit West Virginia in the near future to see the effects of homelessness on our students firsthand. As I work on real solutions for West Virginia’s children, I will continue collaborating with the Trump Administration to bring about meaningful results.

SENATE DEMOCRATS DEMAND ACTION ON MINERS HEALTHCARE AND PENSIONS

This week I was joined by Doug Jones (D-AL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) as we sent a letter to House and Senate leadership advocating for the inclusion of a permanent fix for miners healthcare and pensions in the short-term spending package being negotiated now to keep the government open after September 30th, 2019.

The letter said in part, “In July, we were alarmed to learn that 1,200 retired coal miners, their widows and their dependents would lose their health care benefits at the end of the calendar year. If we don’t take action now, these families in Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, Alabama, Colorado, North Dakota and New Mexico will begin receiving health care termination notices at the end of October. Without congressional action to keep this from happening, they will spend their holiday season worrying about whether or not they will have to choose between their life-saving medications and putting food on the table.”

The letter continues, “We are proud to cosponsor the American Miners Act (S. 27) which would protect and preserve not only these healthcare and pension benefits in perpetuity, but restore the Black Lung Trust Fund contribution rate to a much more sustainable level. During Senate consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the entire Democratic caucus cosponsored this bill. Unfortunately, we were blocked from even having a vote on that amendment.”

Read the letter in full.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF ALEX MILLER OF ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Gayle and I are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Roane County High School football player, Alex Miller. It is difficult to hear of someone so young and talented leaving us too soon. Roane County High School students, teachers and community are in our thoughts and prayers, and my staff and I stand ready to support the family and community as they mourn this tragic loss.

MANCHIN SPEAKS TO GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL IN CHARLESTON ABOUT DANGERS OF VAPING

President Trump has pledged to ban non-tobacco flavored e-cigarettes and I support this decision 1000% because too many young people are getting addicted to nicotine and other substances from what seems like harmless use of these e-cigarettes. These companies are specifically targeting teens with flavors like cupcake, bubblegum, and chocolate. When 27% of high school students are using e-cigarettes, we have a serious issue and it’s about time there was a serious push to take them off the market. This is about protecting public health in West Virginia and across America, and I am proud to support this decision.

MANCHIN, CAPITO PASS SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING WHEELING’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

From the first Zane Brothers’ settlement that became Wheeling to the newly formed state of West Virginia designating Wheeling as the capital, Wheeling has been integral to West Virginia’s history. I am proud to see this resolution to honor Wheeling’s 250th anniversary pass the Senate.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON 18TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11

Eighteen years ago, our nation was forever changed when we were attacked by terrorists in the most devastating domestic attack since Pearl Harbor. Our first responders ran into the wreckage without a second thought to find survivors while our nation watched in horror at the destruction caused by these attacks. We came together as a nation to take care of our fellow Americans and showed the world how resilient and courageous Americans are. Today, we remember those loved ones lost and those who went above and beyond, answering the call to action in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. We honor the millions of men and women who have answered the call to serve in the war on terror, fighting to make sure this never happens again. As we remember this tragedy, I remind all West Virginians to recommit themselves to service, to their families, communities, or country. May God bless us all and may God bless the United States of America.

FAYETTE COUNTY BECOMES 23RD WEST VIRGINIA COUNTY TO RECEIVE HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA DESIGNATION

I am proud to announce that ONDCP has designated Fayette County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which shows that Director Carroll understands the crisis we are facing across our state and the challenges facing Fayette County as they combat the opioid epidemic. We have advocated for Fayette County to receive this designation because of their unique qualifications in combatting the opioid crisis. Unfortunately, Hardy, Nicholas and Tucker counties did not receive the designation this year but we will continue to advocate for them in the future. This designation will ensure law enforcement officials and drug task forces in Fayette County are well equipped to combat the influx of drugs coming into the counties and our entire state. Addressing our state’s opioid crisis is one of my top priorities and I will continue to fight for West Virginia to get the resources we need to end this epidemic.

Key Federal Resources

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $26.5 MILLION FOR CLEAN AIR AND WATER AND HAZARDOUS WASTE PROJECTS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Everyone deserves access to clean drinking water and fresh air to breathe, and West Virginians are no different. This funding will address a multitude of projects across our state that will benefit our citizens and our state through clean water and air initiatives, improving West Virginians’ drinking water, and cleaning up hazardous areas across the state. I am proud that the EPA is investing in our state through these different projects and look forward to seeing the progress made across West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive funding that helps West Virginia stay wild and wonderful.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR OPIOID FIRST RESPONDERS

Our communities have been devastated by the opioid epidemic across West Virginia. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, my job is to ensure the federal government provides the resources necessary to respond to this epidemic, and I take that role seriously. That is why I am proud to announce that the Jackson County Health Department will receive $500,000 to enhance our first responders as they continuing fighting on the frontlines, to prevent opioid overdose deaths and connecting people to treatment and recovery.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $9.2 MILLION TO COMBAT THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia is ground zero for the battle against the opioid epidemic. Our health professionals are on the frontlines, dealing with this crisis every day and helping fellow West Virginians. I am glad to see HRSA and the CDC investing into our communities through this funding to help expand our opioid response workforce and services. I look forward to seeing the great work accomplished by these health centers, rural communities and education programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for West Virginia to receive funding to combat the epidemic facing our state and our nation.

MANCHIN INCLUDES FUNDING FOR WEST VIRGINIA IN FY20 ENERGY AND WATER AND DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS

I am pleased that this fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water and Defense appropriations bills provide West Virginia with funding for some of the state’s top priorities: additional broadband funding for West Virginia through the Appalachian Regional Commission, incorporates language from a bill I introduced to recognize the national and economic security benefits of a storage hub in Appalachia, and recognition of the work being done by the West Virginia National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threat defense unit. As we continue our work in the Appropriations Committee I will fight for West Virginia in the final budget and for a responsible budget that puts West Virginia first.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE

West Virginians deserve access to clean drinking water, no matter where they live. I am proud to help these communities receive the resources they need to live healthy lives. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for West Virginians to receive the services they need and deserve.

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE MILLIONS IN COMMUNITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

I am glad to see the USDA and EDA investing in our state through a multitude of rural development projects that will benefit West Virginians across the state. These projects ensure that rural communities, senior citizens and first responders receive the services and equipment they need and deserve to live quality lives and take care of one another. I look forward to continuing to advocate for more rural development funding as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

ON THE ROAD

The Welch Athletic Complex is a fitting tribute to its namesake, Dr. Ed Welch, who dedicated almost three decades to the University Of Charleston. Congratulations once again on the beautiful new facility.

I had a wonderful time hosting a town hall with some of George Washington High School's best and brightest. Thank you again for your insightful questions!

I was proud to attend the dedication ceremony for Stephen J. Kopp Hall and honor the legacy of the late Marshall University president. Dr. Kopp was a visionary whose leadership and devotion to Marshall continue to make a difference throughout the Huntington community.

On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. On this poignant anniversary, we remember those we lost, and those who went above and beyond answering the call to action in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. May God bless us all and may God bless the United States of America.

Regional Coordinator Mary Jo Guidi attended the beautiful Constitution Day ceremony at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling. In 2004, our very own Senator Robert C. Byrd designated September 17 as Constitution Day and introduced the requirement of public schools and governmental offices to provide educational programs to promote a better understanding of our Constitution. He was a sincere and loyal defender of the Constitution and I am proud to join all West Virginians in celebrating Constitution Day and all that it stands for within our beautiful state and nation.

On Friday, members of my staff participated in the job fair at the Bluefield Coal Show as well as at the Veterans Career Fair at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. Thanks to all the employers who participated and best of luck to all the job seekers!

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 recent success stories below:

Mr. Gary Sowers of Keyser contacted the Senator’s office regarding his 91-year-old father, Bernard Sowers, and evaluation for Home Based Primary Care through the Martinsburg VA Medical Center. Despite his age and declining health, the VAMC was requiring Bernard to make the two-hour drive to the medical center to be evaluated for the HBPC program. The same day that Senior Caseworker Cris Hewett contacted the VA, a nurse reached out to Mr. Sowers to advise that a home visit had been scheduled for his intake evaluation and he would not need to make the trip.

U.S. SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

Do you want to serve your country and receive a free education?

One of my highest honors as a U.S. Senator is to nominate patriotic and hardworking young men and women to the military service academies. The U.S. Service Academies annually award four-year, fully-paid scholarships, and provide young men and women a jump start to a career in the military. Each scholarship consists of a four-year education, room and board, pay, exclusive benefits and valuable leadership training. Admission into service academies is highly competitive and requires an official nomination. I strongly encourage all interested West Virginians to apply for a nomination to the service academies.

October 4 is this year's application deadline.

Click the image link below for a message from Senator Manchin about U.S. Service Academy Nominations.

Senior Caseworker Cris Hewett talks with a student about the Service Academy application process.

Important Dates:

October 4: Application deadline
October 7: Application packets are reviewed
October 8-11: Interview dates are set with candidates
October 17, 18, & 19: Interviews with candidates

For more information, contact: academy@manchin.senate.gov.

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

To inform our office of community events we can showcase, click here.

Social Security Phone Scam - Learn How to Protect Yourself

Social Security employees do occasionally contact people--generally those who have ongoing business with the agency--by telephone for business purposes. However, Social Security employees will never threaten a person or promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information. In those cases, the call is fraudulent and people should not engage with the caller. If a person receives these calls, he or she should report the information to the OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report.

To watch a PSA about the scam, click here or visit www.ssa.gov for more information.

Social Security has recently worked with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission to create a new fraud prevention placemat to help you avoid Social Security scams. You can order free copies of the placemat to use at dining venues, or to share with friends and family. The placemat is in English on one side and Spanish on the other side.

SBA Deadline for WV Private NonProfits to Apply for Physical Damage Disaster Loans is October 2

U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible Private NonProfit organizations (PNPs) in West Virginia of the Oct. 2 deadline to submit disaster loan applications in Grant, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph and Tucker counties for physical damages caused by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides on June 29-30, 2019.

PNPs that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest rate disaster loans. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

Learn more here.

Disaster Designation for WV Counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a primary agricultural disaster designation for counties in Ohio. Under this disaster designation, producers in contiguous counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia also qualify for benefits. WV counties include: Cabell, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Tyler, Wayne, and Wood Counties.

The designated counties are listed in the attached letter to the Governor of Ohio. Additional information on USDA’s disaster assistance program, including county lists and maps, can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

To learn more, call my office Toll Free at (855) 275-5737, email me, or find me on social media:

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