Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) participated in a call with West Virginia county officials to hear their concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Manchin has advocated for the next COVID-19 emergency relief package to have more flexible, dedicated funding for state and local governments to combat the pandemic and take care of their communities.

“West Virginia’s county officials are on the front lines of the economic crisis that is being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today I answered questions from county officials across our state and heard their concerns,” said Senator Manchin. “When Congress passed the CARES Act in March, we allocated $150 billion specifically for state and local governments, but the Trump Administration put unnecessary restrictions on what the funding can be used for. This week I called on the Administration to revise these rules so the funding can be quickly distributed to the state and local governments who are fighting this terrible pandemic head on.”

Over the last month, Senator Manchin has participated in calls with West Virginians representing the healthcare, banking, press, law enforcement, local government, education and business communities.  

Senator Manchin launched an information resources page where West Virginians can learn more about the coronavirus pandemic and how to protect themselves and their families. To learn more please click here.

To receive daily updates from Senator Manchin on the coronavirus pandemic, please click here.