Dear West Virginian,

Negotiations continue on a coronavirus relief package. Republicans put forth a bill that would extend the $600 enhanced unemployment for another week while we continue to negotiate other issues. Democrats rejected this. The American people are counting on us to put aside partisan differences and get something done.

I talked more about this with Fox News’ John Roberts on Tuesday. Watch my interview here or click on the image below: 


Great American Outdoors Act Signed Into Law!

Great news! On Tuesday, President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law. This landmark conservation legislation fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), helps tackle the backlog of maintenance projects at our National Parks and other public lands, and ensures future generations can enjoy West Virginia’s beautiful natural scenery.


In 2018, West Virginia deferred maintenance costs totaled $61.8 million. This deficiency in funding means that the maintenance of historic sites like Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, the New River Gorge National River, and the Gauley River National Recreation Area have delayed repairs for safe access and continued operation.

West Virginia has received approximately $246.2 million in LWCF funding over the past five decades. LWCF protects places such as the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Monongahela National Forest, the New River Gorge National River, and the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery.

The Outdoor Industry Association found that active outdoor recreation generates $9 billion annually in consumer spending in West Virginia, supports 91,000 jobs across the state, and generates $2.4 billion in wages and salaries. Click here to learn more.

Promoting Sustainable Infrastructure

On Wednesday, the Senate passed my bill, the Composite Standards Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.). The bill would establish a design data clearinghouse to disseminate existing guidelines and standards for using composite materials in infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure remains a top bipartisan priority, and as we continue working to improve, rebuild, and grow America’s infrastructure, it’s important that we make sure individuals and businesses have the information they need to get it right. That includes information on using composites in infrastructure projects—something that would help encourage both sustainability and innovation in construction, as well as help lower costs on a wide range of critical projects.

EDA Investments in West Virginia

On Monday, I was in South Charleston with Economic Development Administration (EDA) top officials, announcing more than $10 million for several projects across our state. This funding will create and retain more than 2,500 jobs and spur $69 million in private investment into West Virginia. 

Since 2015 when I first came to the Senate, I’ve prioritized increasing EDA funding for projects in our state that specifically spur economic development. Through my committee placements and strong partnership with EDA, we’ve been successful in increasing West Virginia’s EDA funding 770 percent.

More details on the individual EDA funded projects can be found here: https://bit.ly/31uoEid


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 COVID-19 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