DISASTER DECLARATION APPROVAL FOR SEVERE STORMS IN MCDOWELL AND FAYETTE COUNTIES

The approval of a federal disaster declaration will help communities recover from the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on July 12th and 13th in McDowell County and on August 14th and 15th in Fayette County. The declaration will allow West Virginia to rebuild and recover from the widespread damage.

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Check Small Business Administration's list of Current Declared Disasters for details on low-interest Federal Disaster Loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. 

BROADBAND COVERAGE MAPS

West Virginia stands to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to connect remaining unserved locations, but only if those locations are correct.

After years of pushing the Federal Communications Commission to update their incorrect broadband coverage maps, I am pleased the FCC has taken our feedback. Previous maps showed WV as 90.6% served, while the new maps show WV as just 79.4% served – the third least connected state in the U.S. behind Montana and Alaska, reflecting what thousands of West Virginians have been saying for years. Anyone can challenge the accuracy of these coverage maps.

Learn more about the map and how to file challenges.

VIEW THE FCC MAPS & VERIFY YOUR COVERAGE

Today is National Miners Day - For generations, West Virginia's coal miners have made incredible sacrifices to help make our nation the superpower of the world. Please join me in thanking our coal miners!

Mr. Morilla of Ohio County contacted my office for assistance with his application for employment authorization and application to register permanent residency with the USCIS. Without these, he was not able to provide for his family. With the help of my office, his applications were processed and 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.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS TOMORROW - 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

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. December 15th is the deadline for coverage starting January 1st. The last day to sign up for all 2023 coverage January 15th. 
Download this checklist to make sure you have everything you’ll need to apply.

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. 

REPORT YOUR COVID-19 TEST RESULTS - COVID-19 test results provide valuable data that public health departments can use to assess the needs and modify the responses in the local community, the state or the nation. Self-report your at-home test results at MakeMyTestCount.org.

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.

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.

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

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 open positions throughout the state​
Path to Pro Network: skilled labor jobs at companies across the U.S.

MANCHIN STATEMENT ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF ALASKA OFFSHORE LEASE SALE
The United States can produce energy cleaner than anywhere else in the world, and there has never been a more critical time to invest in American energy production.

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.

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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: