This week, U.S. Representative David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.) visited the Millwright Training Center in Wood County, which was recently renovated. The center is one of many building trades training facilities which prepare young people for a career in construction. Apprenticeships and career and technical education are vital for ensuring a skilled workforce. Learn more about the visit on WTAP. 

On Friday, Representative McKinley attended an event to celebrate the merger between WVU Health Systems and Wheeling Hospital. 

This merger will provide the community with stability and hope as West Virginia residents will have more access specialty care and other health resources. 

More information on the merger can be found in the Wheeling Intelligencer. 

Recently, the Center for Effective Lawmaking released its rankings of Members of Congress for effectiveness. Representative McKinley was ranked 34 of 205 Republicans, earning him a spot in the top 20% for the 116^th Congress (2019-2020).

The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) is a joint partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University.

“Despite serving in the minority for the past two years, we have still been able to get things done for the people of the First District,” said McKinley. “Whether it’s protecting pensions and health care for our retired miners or working to lower the cost of prescription drugs, we have worked across party lines to deliver for West Virginia.”

McKinley has improved his effectiveness rating moving up to 34^th in the 116^th Congress, after being ranked 70^th in the two-years prior.  

Click here to access the Center for Effective Lawmaking’s scores

This week, Representative McKinley introduced bipartisan legislation to help end the digital divide and deliver affordable, quality broadband service to rural Americans. The Community Broadband Mapping Act addresses flawed federal broadband mapping practices and empowers local communities to dispute inaccurate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) internet service status claims.

“The digital divide between rural America and the rest of the nation has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Reliable access to the internet remains a necessity for all Americans no matter where they live,” said McKinley. “Without maps that provide an accurate assessment of internet connectivity, we can’t target resources correctly to parts of the country that need help. This bill will help address this continuing problem.”

The Wheeling Intelligencer - Stopping Sale Of Pills Online

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel - No GOP support for extras in infrastructure bill

To date, 433,823 people in West Virginia are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 645, 541 people have received at least one vaccine dose. That's one third of the entire WV population. 

The free vaccination clinics will be held across the states and are offered to West Virginians who are 16 years of age and older. More information can be found here. 

West Virginians can now pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine through the West Virginia COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System at www.vaccinate.wv.gov.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources offers free COVID-19 testing in counties located near you. 

For more information on testing locations, click here. 

In March, Governor Jim Justice announced loosened restrictions on businesses, social gatherings, and youth travel sports. The executive order: 

• Increases the capacity limit for all restaurants and bars to 100% of their seating capacity
• Lifts all capacity limitations for small businesses, retail stores, and grocery stores
• Increasing the capacity limit for other businesses that still had capacity restrictions, such as gyms, fitness centers, and museums to 100% 
• Increases the social gathering limit to 100 people

All businesses, social gatherings and youth travel sports are still required to follow public health safety guidelines, including, but not limited to, mandatory face coverings and social distancing.

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Toll-Free Hotline 24/7 
1- 800 - 887- 4304 

More information on the indoor face covering requirement, click here.
More Information, click here.    
Click here for the COVID19 West Virginia website. 

We encourage everyone to follow the CDC recommendations on how to help protect yourself and others.

Follow the three W's to protect yourself and your loved ones: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance

For more updated information from the CDC click here.

Unemployment Benefits for West Virginians

Paycheck Protection Program  for Small Business Owners

Veterans Information on COVID-19

Meal Pick-Up Sites for Children 

Economic Impact Payment Information for Second Round