06/01/2026
Rusty is a gem.
From Billy Wolfe:
If you know my friend Rusty, then you know he’s a hero. Even if you don’t know him, you’ve probably benefited from his advocacy in this state.
If you’ve gotten access to medical ma*****na in West Virginia, that’s because Rusty made it happen. If you received services at the Women’s Health Center, there’s a good chance that you met Rusty as he stood between patients and protestors. If you’ve been anxious about proposed state law that would take away your rights and then been relieved to see it didn’t pass, that’s likely because Rusty worked day and night to convince our lawmakers to have more compassion.
Everything Rusty does, he does for other people. Now, he needs us.
During his long battle with cancer, Rusty received public assistance. Even with public assistance, he was far below the poverty level, living in his car and struggling daily to meet his basic needs. Over ten years passed since that point, and now Rusty has been told – out of the blue – that the federal government made a mistake way back then. They believe that the meager amount of benefits he received while facing housing insecurity and recovering was an overpayment; now he’s being required to pay them back.
The federal government wants $14,000 back and they want it now. They’ve already taken his tax refund and will come after his paycheck next. He’s tried to fight it for months, he’s talked to attorneys, all of it. If you think this sounds suspicious, you’re not alone; Rusty was told by a Social Security rep that this was unprecedented in his experience, and likely motivated by politics. He’s at the end of his rope, but has no option but to make this happen one way or another.
If you could join me in chipping in to help him, it would go a long way in making life easier for someone who represents the best of what West Virginia has to offer.
If you know my friend Rusty, then you know he’s a hero. Even if you don’t know h… Jamie Miller needs your support for Support Rusty: A Hero Facing Unfair Debt
