Justice: ‘I’m not going to have a food fight with Joe Manchin’ over the use of CARES Act funds

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Gov. Jim Justice (R) of West Virginia, named Sen. Joe ManchinJoseph (Joe) Manchin Sunday shows preview: Manchin makes the round after pivotal role in coronavirus debate Biden takes victory round after senate passes coronavirus aid package Schumer insists Democrats unite after chaotic coronavirus debate MORE (DW.V.) a “professional politician” in response to Manchin’s claims that the governor had used CARES Act funding for unrelated purposes.

On CBS ‘Face the Nation on Sunday, Margaret Brennan noted the criticism of Manchin, himself a former West Virginia governor, regarding the use of funds for roadworks in the state.

“Joe Manchin is a professional politician … I’m not going to have a food fight with Joe Manchin,” said Justice. “We have handled the CARES dollars perfectly here, and this state is very well managed. If Joe wants to go on with all his political rhetoric and stuff, there’s nothing I can do about it. “

Justice defended the use of CARES resources, saying that the roadwork in question was directly relevant to access to hospitals.

“We have spent $ 50 million of our $ 1.25 billion CARES on medical access routes to help people in West Virginia at a medical facility,” he said. “Our roads had gotten into such a terrible state … and we spent absolutely $ 50 million out of $ 1.25 billion on road repairs.”

Justice, one of the GOP governors most outspoken about enforcing coronavirus restrictions and mask mandates, also called on his fellow Republicans to be “a little more careful” about lifting them.

“For us to get on rock solid ground, that’s the approach West Virginia is going to take,” he said.

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