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Dear West Virginian,
This week, I joined several of my colleagues to introduce police reform legislation called the JUSTICE Act. I was part of a small task force—led by Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)—selected to work on this legislation. Our bill brings together ideas from both sides of the aisle and presents an opportunity for the Senate to engage in meaningful debate in front of the American people. This is a pivotal point in our county’s history, and we must come together and pass laws, not make political points.
The horrific murder of George Floyd truly shook our county to its core. There is absolutely no room for racial discrimination and police brutality in America, and every citizen should be able to feel safe in their communities. At the same time, defunding the police is not the way to go. We need to focus on increased training, higher levels of accountability, de-escalation tactics, and banning chokeholds.
I talked more about the JUSTICE Act and our path forward on the Senate floor this week:
Wild and Wonderful News: The Great American Outdoors Act passed!
On Wednesday, the Senate finally passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) with bipartisan support. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I am thrilled of its passage and the positive impact it will have on the Mountain State.
The bill addresses a lack of maintenance in our National Parks, National Forests, and National Historic Parks. Additionally, the GAOA fully funds the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Great American Outdoors Act is a big deal for West Virginia’s economy and environment, and it’s a bill I was proud to support.
Keeping West Virginia wild and wonderful must be a priority, and the GAOA helps accomplish that goal. Ensuring future support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund will in turn support many locations across West Virginia and preserve their natural beauty and spender for future generations.
In 2018, West Virginia’s deferred maintenance costs totaled $61.8 million. This deficiency in funding means that the maintenance of historic sites like Harper’s Ferry, the New River Gorge National River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area go without necessary repairs for safe access and continued operation. This bill will address that.
West Virginia has received approximately $246.2 million in LWCF funding over the past five decades. LWCF protects places such as:
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Monongahela National Forest
- New River Gorge National River
- White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery and more!
Thank you to everyone who reached out to my office in support of both the GAOA and LWCF. It is great to bring this legislative win back home to West Virginia.
More Funding for Corridor H is On The Way!
Earlier this week, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called me to deliver the good news that more funding will be heading to the state to help support the completion of the Corridor H pavement project from Kerens to Parsons. This past February, I wrote a letter to Secretary Chao in support of WVDOH’s application, and I am thrilled that they will be receiving the full amount.
I’ve long-advocated for Corridor H funding through my committee assignments in the Senate. This funding is great news as it will help increase the reliability of our infrastructure in West Virginia and reduce travel times. Corridor H plays such an important role in the lives of many West Virginians, as well as the overall economy of our state.
West Virginia Wins Big in SCOTUS Decision
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded in a 7-2 decision that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline could resume construction. This decision is welcome news for American families, jobs, security, and the energy economy. This project will allow for the expanded supplies of natural gas for residential and commercial heating and electricity generation, which will provide affordable energy for residents and businesses while also spurring economic development. Here is my full statement on the landmark decision.
REMINDER: Make Sure You Get Your Individual Check!
If you haven’t visited it already, 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). The purpose of the portal is 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
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