|
Dear West Virginian,
Throughout this pandemic, we’ve seen so many people from all across this country stepping up in major ways: medical professionals, teachers, grocery store workers, Fed-Ex, UPS, and USPS workers, law enforcement, and more.
I often describe West Virginia as one big small town. We help one another in times of need, whether we know the person or not. I like to call this the “West Virginia spirit.” There is no question that it has helped us through some difficult times like the one we are facing right now with this pandemic.
This week on the Senate floor, I paid tribute to several West Virginians who have gone above and beyond to serve their communities. Click here or the image below to watch.
This is the type of kindness that we need today. Take a moment this weekend to think about these unsung heroes and thank them, but also, learn from them and spread this kindness throughout our communities.
How Coronavirus Highlights Broadband Disparities in Rural America
On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing titled, The State of Broadband Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have heard from constituents across the state about the challenges they have been facing with a slow or non-existent internet connection. These issues have ranged from people without cell phone service, to others without internet, to constituents not having access to their landline phone. As you can imagine, this is making the worrisome time we are in even more difficult.
Watch my exchange with our panelists as I ask what Congress can do better and how we can more quickly close the digital divide:
Speaking of broadband – last week, I introduced the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act. This legislation would remove obstacles for broadband projects to receive Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants. Specifically, the legislation would ensure local communities would be able to partner with the private sector and give communities more flexibility in complying with their funding match requirements. Click here to learn more about my broadband efforts, including my Capito Connect Plan.
CARES Act Funding
The funding from the CARES Act is steadily flowing into West Virginia communities, including more than $57 million to increase COVID-19 testing throughout the state, which I announced earlier this week. Learn more about the latest funding that came to our state recently:
REMINDER: Make Sure You Get Your Individual Check!
The IRS has opened an online portal for lower-income individuals who are not required to file a tax return, have not filed tax returns for 2018 or 2019, and are not on Social Security retirement, Social Security disability (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to provide information in order to receive a stimulus check. Enter your information to track the status of your payment here.
Those who have filed a return for 2018 or 2019 or are on Social Security retirement, SSI, or SSDI do not need to do anything to receive their check.
However, if you’re on SSI and have dependents, you’ll need to fill out additional information to get the extra $500 per child.
Here’s a great Q&A page on the IRS site. If you have questions, check it out!
And here’s another good Q&A page that provides more details about your Economic Impact Payments (EIP).
Be Vigilant for Scammers!
Unfortunately, there are bad actors that are using this health crisis to take advantage of unsuspecting residents, especially our senior citizens. Please note the IRS WILL NOT call you and ask for your bank account information to deposit your individual relief check.
Check out my coronavirus webpage for more information about scams and what I’m doing to try and mitigate them.
Additional Resources
I created a page on my website with information and resources to keep you up-to-date on the coronavirus situation as it continues to evolve. Check out that page here, and please share with friends so they can keep up with the latest.
In addition to my webpage, I also want to make sure you know where to get the latest updates from the medical experts at CDC.gov and West Virginia DHHR.
I will continue doing my best to keep you up to speed on what we are doing here at the federal level to help and other resources that can be useful back at home. I will be posting regular updates on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, so be sure to follow me there.
Important Information If You’re Visiting DC
Because of coronavirus concerns, all Capitol and White House tours have been suspended indefinitely. Please contact our Washington office to reschedule. Additionally, requests for flags flown over the Capitol may be delayed, and access to the Capitol and House and Senate office buildings is being restricted. Feel free to contact our office at (202) 224-6472 with any questions. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Counting on West Virginia
Have you taken your 2020 census yet? PLEASE DO!
Taking the census takes 10 minutes and could mean thousands of more federal dollars for West Virginia!
Do you part and take it here: https://my2020census.gov/
Over the past couple of months, I’ve been discussing the importance of taking the census, and I encourage you to do the same so you can spread the word to fellow West Virginians. Click here to read a column I wrote about this.
How Can We Help?
Whether you need help with a casework issue or have a question about scheduling a meeting at one of my offices, my staff and I are ready to assist you. Learn more about the services we offer at www.capito.senate.gov.
You can also submit your feedback and share your stories with me by visiting my “Share Your Stories” webpage here: www.capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories.
Social Media Recap
Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates and photos.
Sincerely,
Shelley Moore Capito
United States Senator
|
