Manchin to youth: ‘Get involved’ | Times West Virginian

MORGANTOWN — Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., finished his Common Sense Solutions Tour on Thursday.

He toured the state all week to discuss the common-sense solutions that are needed to gain a stronger economy in West Virginia.

Manchin closed out his tour in Morgantown on Thursday, first visiting MVB Bank in Sabraton for its ribbon-cutting ceremony, then going to Monongalia General Hospital for the grand opening of the Hazel Ruby McQuain Birth Center.

Manchin said he hopes this tour will help get the youth involved with the economy.

“I’d rather them effect it than be affected by it,” he said. “This means get involved, be positive, be doing things, show (the world) what we’re all about in America.”

While talking with the youth, Manchin felt energized and hopes that the government will partner up American citizens.

“Government can’t be over¬reaching,” he said. “Government has to be your partner, can’t be your adversary, it has to be your ally.”

There were many topics discussed during Manchin’s tour, and he’s learned a lot about what the citizens of West Virginia are looking for.

“It’s basically been back to how do we have more jobs, better jobs, better-paying jobs, and keeping our families together,” he said.

Manchin said the economy as a whole is ready to take off but it won’t because of a lack of confidence in Washington, D.C.

“If they have that confidence, this economy takes off,” he said. “If we’re going to compete and lead the rest of the world, you have to do it through educated people.”

Manchin wants people to have the right education; that’s one of the reasons this tour has gone to college campuses.

“I’m here going around campuses finding out are they getting the courses, are they getting the type of quality education they want and can they afford it?” he said.

Manchin said during his remarks at MVB Bank on Thursday that banking is what gets the wheels going for the economy. He was recently appointed to the Senate Banking Committee.

“Banking is the life blood,” he said. “Community banks have got to do what you’ve always done; it’s a family atmosphere.”

“If you want to keep this economy moving, you want to keep America growing, you better keep your community banks well and alive,” Manchin said.

During his tour, Manchin spoke Monday at United Mine Worker’s Association’s rally at the Charleston Civic Center, then traveled to Concord University in Athens to visit with faculty, staff and students about their veterans’ programs and initiatives.

On Tuesday, the senator visited with Marshall University journalism students and talked about serving in the U.S. Senate. He then attended the Mason County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.

Wednesday, Manchin went back to Charleston and delivered remarks at the Charleston Area Alliance luncheon. The same day he hosted a roundtable discussion on financial issues in Parkersburg.
 

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