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Manchin talks schools, pandemic stimulus

A Sept. 8 school reopening might be a challenge without a vaccine for the coronavirus, a U.S. Senator from West Virginia said on Wednesday.

“So you better have Plan B ready to go,” Sen. Joe Manchin said.

The health and safety of students and school personnel is the major consideration, said Manchin, speaking to reporters from West Virginia by web conference. The senator spoke about the status of another coronavirus stimulus package, the reopening of schools and the investigation into the murders at the VA medical center in Clarksburg and federal troops used in protests, among other issues.

Schools reopening by the Sept. 8 target date in West Virginia, without a vaccine, “might be a challenge,” he said.

If schools should rely on education by virtual means, that is a problem in rural states like West Virginia where internet access is limited or non-existent, Manchin said. Special devices creating hot spots is a solution and must be made available, he said.

“Without internet connectivity, we’re at one heck of a disadvantage,” Manchin said.

Manchin said he has spoken to senators in the Republican Party and they, too, have yet to see a proposal on the latest coronavirus stimulus from Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

A package larger than previous versions passed by Congress is unlikely because there doesn’t appear to be the support, Manchin said. More likely is a combination of new money and funds unspent in the last stimulus redirected for other purposes benefitting companies and residents in the $2-2.5 trillion range, he said.

The period for immunity from liability for companies has to be finite, around the time a vaccine is developed, according to Manchin.

Gov. Jim Justice, during a coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, said he anticipates the stimulus package will include a relaxation of the requirements on states on spending the money allocated to them in previous packages, an extension of unemployment benefits, rejuvenation of the Paycheck Protection Program and aid for lower-income residents.

“I really believe you’re going to see an extended effort to help our people and encourage our people to be able to get back to work,” the governor said.

On other topics, Manchin said he didn’t favor sending federal troops into an area, particularly if not requested, such as Portland, Ore. State and local authorities should be responsible for law and order, he said.

“I think federal troops should always be a last resort,” Manchin said.

Dispatching federal troops “is about like declaring martial law,” he said.

Manchin on Tuesday spoke with Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael Missal about the investigation of the murders of veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center. Reta Mays, who was a nursing assistant at the facility until her termination, last week pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree murder and assault to commit murder.

Families still need answers as do families of veterans who may have been victims, but not determined to have been murdered, Manchin said. Among questions are how she was hired without her background checked and how the insulin injected into the patients was obtained, he said.

Manchin said Missal will give him the report of the investigation.

“It sure as heck shouldn’t take another two years to find out,” Manchin said.

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