Federal lawmakers could vote on a COVID-19 economic relief package as early as Wednesday, but West Virginia lawmakers and advocates for the poor and unemployed are concerned the bill still might be too little too late for people in the Mountain State.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., told reporters he is hopeful the Senate will vote on the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability, and Schools (HEALS) Act by Wednesday, saying he is eager to get support for rural hospitals, more access to broadband and support for unemployed people and people living in poverty through the $1 trillion bill.

Reach Lacie Pierson at

lacie.pierson@wvgazettemail.com,

304-348-1723 or follow

@laciepierson on Twitter.

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