CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) - West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey hosted a press conference in Charleston on Thursday to announce a collaboration between the West Virginia DMV and Apple, along with making some announcements regarding SNAP and food banks in the state.
As of Thursday, everyone in West Virginia with a valid ID or driver's license can now have those forms of identification and any other state-issued ID all on their cellphone. It's a push to make things easier for people traveling or enjoying what the state has to offer.
Morrisey mentioned that over 250 TSA checkpoints throughout the country accept digital IDs, including Yeager Airport in Charleston. It's also a tool for people who don't want to carry around their wallets or purses, and can have their form of payment with their identification all on their smartphone.
The effort is part of a large plan for people in West Virginia to provide better technological options in their everyday lives.
"We want to make sure that the systems we have are working for everyday West Virginians," Morrisey said. "I think one thing to note is that the future of West Virginia is going to be such that when you hear the word 'rural,' it does not mean left behind. I think that's why all of us are here today."
Downloading your West Virginia ID on your iPhone is fairly simple. You go to the wallet app on your iPhone, then click the plus icon, tap on driver's license and ID cards, then scroll down and tap on West Virginia. On-screen prompts will tell you what to do next.
Another point was made by Morrisey on Thursday about food banks and those who rely on SNAP benefits. He reiterated throughout his address that the "Schumer Shutdown," referencing the federal government shutdown, is hurting West Virginians all over the state.
Since SNAP is a federal program, Morrisey says the state is unable to just absorb all of the cost it takes to run SNAP, but did mention that he wants the state to make progress during the government shutdown.
"As of today, I am directing the expedition of several of the appropriations we have, all that's been appropriated by the legislature of resources to the West Virginia food banks," Morrisey said. "That can begin, because I think that the concern would be beginning November 1st, and so we're going to start the process and help the food banks a little bit more. I think today's decision starts to free up $1.1 million."
$1 million of that fund is coming from money that has been previously appropriated by the legislature already, and $100,000 of the $1.1 million comes from an emergency fund that the state has.
Gov. Morrisey also called on the public to volunteer and donate if you can to local food banks throughout the state during the government shutdown.
One last point that was emphasized, the Governor hopes to hear back from the Trump Administration by Dec. 4 on federal help with broadband expansion throughout the state.