Calling On Postal Service to Reverse Service Cuts

Calling On Postal Service to Reverse Service Cuts

This week, I joined a group of 84 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy expressing deep concerns about operational changes at the U.S. Postal Service.

Over the past decade, declining mail volume has caused the USPS to lose money and put it in a precarious financial situation. With the pandemic, mail volume has declined even further. Recently, the Postmaster General announced locations scheduled for imminent closure or significant reduction in hours and services including Parkersburg, Beckley and East Side station in Fairmont.

The USPS plays an essential role in keeping people connected and ensuring customers receive vital goods like medicine. Closing these offices and reducing hours of locations in rural communities will undercut that role. During my time serving in Congress, I have consistently protected the mission of the USPS and supported its workers. Ensure the service many West Virginians count on continues especially during this crisis.

Click here for the story on USPS closures throughout West Virginia.

Click here to read more.

July Jobs Report

Yet again a better than expected jobs report. 1.8 million jobs were added to the economy and unemployment continues to fall – beating predictions!

The Great American Comeback is underway!

Click here, to read more.

Aviation In and Around Appalachia

This weekend, listen to West Virginia Public Broadcasting Inside Appalachia where I discussed my great uncle Louis Bennett, a flying ace in World War I and the importance of growing the aviation industry here in the Mountain State.

Listen in here.

Small Business Assistance

To date, over 16,000 West Virginia small businesses have benefited from the Paycheck Protection Program! Applications on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) are OPEN. Small business owners can visit the SBA website for more information on what programs may be best for your business.

REMINDER: The Paycheck Protection Program expires tomorrow, August 8th!

Click here, for more information on PPP.

Free COVID-19 Testing

Free COVID-19 testing will be offered in the counties listed below:

Taylor County
August 8th
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Grafton High School
400 Yates High School Avenue
Grafton, WV

Brooke County
August 14th & 15th
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bethany College
Hummel Field House

For more information on upcoming testing locations, click here.

West Virginia Strong - The Comeback Plan

In May, Governor Jim Justice announced his plan for reopening the economy. Reopening will not happen suddenly, but with time. We should be able to open in a safe and cautious manner as long as we continue to follow the social distancing guidelines.

Phase one began on Thursday, April 30th. From there, each phase of the reopening process for Weeks 2-6 will begin on Monday of each subsequent week. COVID-19 case numbers will continue to be monitored throughout the entire reopening process.

The STAY-AT-HOME order was lifted on Sunday, May 3rd and a SAFER-AT-HOME was put in place on Monday, May 4th.

Earlier this month, Governor Jim Justice announced starting on Tuesday, July 7, West Virginia will have an indoor face covering requirement in all public indoor places where social distancing cannot be maintained. Do your part to slow the spread and keep each other safe.

More information on the indoor face covering requirement, click here.
More Information, click here.

CDC Recommendations

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

Take these steps to protect yourself:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which the chorus to Country Roads lasts about that long.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in the community.
Wear a cloth face covering in public settings.

Take these steps to protect others:

Stay home if you are except to receive medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw away the tissue.
Clean and disinfect touched surface areas daily.

For more updated information from the CDC click here.

West Virginia Resources

Over seven thousand COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in West Virginia as of today. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources established a toll-free hotline for questions from the public and medical providers concerning the pandemic. The department also has a website with the most up-to-date information regarding the confirmed and pending cases.

Click here for more information.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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