Bill Gates and I met with Our Next Energy, TerraPower, Plug Power and Breakthrough Energy at AEP's retired Glasgow power plant to learn more about opportunities made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act in West Virginia.

 
 I'm proud to have welcomed Bill Gates to West Virginia. West Virginia has always been America's energy powerhouse, and as energy markets transition, our skilled workforce is ready to continue this storied tradition using innovative technologies to deliver the energy our nation depends on.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

FCC BROADBAND COVERAGE

Senator Manchin needs your help to increase high-speed internet in rural areas. The FCC has released updated broadband coverage maps to determine how millions of dollars in funding to expand reliable, affordable broadband coverage is allocated. West Virginia stands to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to connect remaining unserved locations, but only if those locations are correct.

VIEW THE FCC MAPS & VERIFY YOUR COVERAGE
Submit challenges by January 13th.

Informational Session - how to check coverage and challenge the maps

Timeline of Manchin's efforts to address broadband coverage issues in WV

Tutorial and more information on how to submit challenges

Ms. Rhodes, widow if U.S. Veteran, contacted my office requesting assistance with her appeal for Survivor’s Benefits that had been pending with the Board of Veterans Appeals since 2016. With the help of my inquiry, Ms. Rhodes’ appeal 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.

Last week, I welcomed FBI Director Wray and my bipartisan colleagues Senator Shelley Moore Capito, John Cornyn, Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Thom Tillis at the Clarksburg CJISD facility, one of the FBI's largest divisions outside of Washington, with more than 3k employees and contractors, to see the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act firsthand. This critical legislation bolstered CJISD efforts on background checks and other critical systems that help keep our fellow Americans safe, and I am proud West Virginia is leading the way at CJISD. 

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT - Get more information and enroll at https://www.healthcare.gov.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.

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

MANCHIN HOSTS BILL GATES TO HIGHLIGHT MOUNTAIN STATE’S ENERGY INDUSTRY HISTORY AND ROLE IN ENSURING AMERICA’S ENERGY SECURITY
highlighting the existing energy infrastructure and the skilled West Virginia workers ready to help develop new and advanced energy technologies

ALL ENERGY NEWS

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