FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Contact: Virginia Alvino Young, 714-267-1623, [email protected]
APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES TO JOE MANCHIN: SAYING NO TO BBB IS HURTING OUR CHILDREN, FAMILIES, WORKERS AND LANDS
Appalachia (December 20, 2021) — A range of West Virginia-based groups deeply concerned about Sen. Joe Manchin’s lack of support for the Build Back Better Act will host rallies and candlelight vigils this week outside Manchin’s office in Charleston, WV on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The provisions in Build Back Better have overwhelming public support. From clean energy jobs to universal pre-K to support for seniors, this investment would make a bright future possible for Appalachian coal country. We’re deeply disappointed to see Senator Joe Manchin saying no to this incredible opportunity to invest in West Virginia communities,” said Dana Kuhnline, Campaign Manager for ReImagine Appalachia.
Build Back Better is a chance to prioritize both the health of our local economies and of our environment. Appalachia has long powered the economic prosperity of this nation. It’s time we create good jobs in 21st Century industries for all Appalachians – of every color, creed and background. It’s also a once-in-a-generation chance to respond to the climate crisis while creating good paying union jobs that repair our nation’s infrastructure.
WHO: Sponsoring organizations include a growing list of groups including: Citizens Climate Lobby; NASW WV; West Virginia Climate Alliance; NAACP Charleston WV branch; Reimagine Appalachia; Chesapeake Climate Action Network; American Friends Service Committee; Poor People’s Campaign WV and Race Matters West Virginia; and West Virginia Citizen Action Group; WV Environmental Council; WV for Affordable Healthcare; Rise Up WV, West Virginia Sierra Club.
WHAT: Rally in opposition to Senator Manchin’s decision to oppose the Build Back Better Act
WHERE: 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV, 25302
WHEN: 4 p.m., on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 20-22, 2021
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Reimagine Appalachia is a coalition of labor, policy experts and community leaders who are making sure that everyone who lives here can have a good job and can put down roots for the future. For months, the coalition has been pushing Congress to pass major funding packages that create jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and address fires and floods caused by damage to the climate. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill providing $550 billion in new federal spending for infrastructure– a critical step in fully realizing President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and ensuring a healthier, better future for our children and communities.