To the editor:

The Appalachian Regional Commission gave $68.2 million to 65 projects of which Jefferson County is to receive $2.5 million. The program is called Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization. POWER is for communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power-plant operations and coal related supply chain industries. “It is also to help train workers, advance new industries and build upon the progress already being made toward a bright future full of economic opportunity for our region.” (ARC News: Oct. 16)

This statement was released by Gayle Manchin, co-chair of ARC. She is the wife of Joe Manchin, who was governor (2002-2010) and Senator (2010-2024) from West Virginia.

He was in the news or on television for approximately eight months during 2021 to 2022, he was concerned about over spending during record inflation on a bill introduced by John Yarmuth on Sept. 27, 2021: Build, Back, Better.

In July 2022: ” … Manchin and Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., struck a deal. After a marathon voting session, the Senate passed the legislation through the budget reconciliation act process, with every Democrat voting in favor and a tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris. No Republican voted for the bill.”(NPR: Aug. 16, 2022)

The bill was signed into law Aug. 16, 2022 by President Joe Biden, and at the signing ceremony, Biden handed a pen to Joe Manchin.

The Inflation Reduction Act — the largest sweeping climate, health care, tax bill (corporations) to become law, at an estimated cost of $1.5 trillion.

West Virginia is rich in the natural resource of coal, which employs thousands of workers and provides a good livelihood. You would think he would have spent his time fighting for what was best for the state and its people. Instead, he betrayed his constituents with the largest green-climate agenda.

As for the money allotted to Jefferson County, the commissioners have decided to use it to boost broadband.

This has nothing to do concerning loss of good-paying jobs and a new revenue source for the county.

Larry Petrella

Steubenville