Good evening,

No doubt this has been a stressful and challenging time for our nation. As your member of Congress, I want to do my part to keep you updated on all that is going on at the federal, state, and local level to stop the spread of this virus and help the American people.

I am working closely with the Trump Administration, state and local officials, and non-profits to ensure Arizonans have the resources they need to keep themselves and their families safe. I’m continuing to work every day to keep our country safe and healthy.

The CARES Act

I support the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act which was recently passed and signed into law by President Trump. Here are the main components:

• Direct payments of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child. 
• Additional unemployment assistance.
• Forgivable loans to small businesses that keep their employees on their payrolls.
• $100 billion to hospitals. 
• $150 billion to state and local governments. 
• Funding for medical supplies for healthcare workers. 
• Funding to expedite treatments. 

My office will be rolling out additional resources to help constituents gain access to this relief.

Federal Government Response

Since the early days of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Trump Administration has taken decisive action to protect American lives. From announcing bold travel restrictions, to invoking the Defense Production Act, the administration is working hard to ensure we have the resources needed to fight this pandemic.

Tax Deferments for All Americans
Tax deadline moved to July 15, 2020. This includes both the filing and payment deadlines. If you are expecting a refund, you are urged to file so that you can receive your refund quickly. The state of Arizona has also extended their filing deadline to July 15, 2020.

Assistance for the Unemployed
Many Arizona employers are still hiring and in need of employees who can start immediately. Visit Arizona@Work to learn more about available opportunities and check back frequently as new positions are being posted every day!

The CARES Act also provides an extra $600/week in unemployment benefits to laid off workers and the self-employed. This is in addition to the $240/week the state currently pays. For details, click HERE. 

Frequently Asked Questions

My office has complied some frequently asked questions to help constituents as they are dealing with the impacts of Coronavirus. If you have additional questions, please contact my office! 

I lost my job. How do I get help?
Many Arizona employers are still hiring and in need of employees who can start immediately. Visit Arizona@Work to learn more about available opportunities and check back frequently as new positions are being posted every day!

The CARES Act also provides an extra $600/week in unemployment benefits to laid off workers and the self-employed. This is in addition to the $240/week the state currently pays. For details, click HERE. 

I have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. How do I get a test?
Banner has established four specimen collection sites in Arizona–three in the Phoenix metropolitan area and one in Tucson. If you are concerned that you might have COVID-19, call 1-844-549-1851 and a member of their clinical team will screen you over the phone. Phones will be operated 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday. If their team member determines that you meet criteria for testing, you will be scheduled for an appointment at one of their drive-through sites. Please bring your health insurance card with you if you have one. Of course, if you are feeling ill you can contact your regular physician or call 911 in an emergency. 

I’m elderly and need groceries, can anyone help?
There are many local services offering grocery delivery, transportation, and well checks to elderly and high-risk populations. Contact Northwest Valley Connect at 623-282-9300 to learn about their resources or visit the Banner Olive Branch website for more information on their program.

Since I’m out of work, I won’t be able to pay my mortgage. What do I do?
Help is available for homeowners who have federally-backed mortgages. Learn more about the program and find out if you qualify here. If your mortgage is not federally-backed, you may want to contact your lender directly to inquire about your options.

I rent my home but am currently unemployed due to Coronavirus. Will I be evicted?
Governor Ducey issued an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by Coronavirus. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days. Learn more here.

I keep hearing about resources in my community, but I don’t know where to look. Where can I find help in my area?
Governor Ducey launched his Arizona Together site to serve as a one stop shop for resources available during this outbreak. Visit the site to find resources from childcare assistance to locations for local foodbanks. You can also contact my office and we can help!

If I or my family are stranded abroad, who should I contact?
With non-essential travel suspended from many countries around the globe, I know many are concerned about loved ones who might not be able to return home. My office has been in contact with the State Department regarding several constituents who are returning to the United States from aboard. In order for us to best assist you, you must register at step.state.gov to get time-sensitive, country-specific updates.

An Update From Arizona

I have been in briefings and I am receiving regular updates on the Coronavirus from local, state, and federal agencies on what they are doing to combat this virus. For updated information about the outbreak in our state, please visit the Arizona Department of Health website. 

With the outbreak continuing in our state, we are working to guarantee we have the resources needed for our medical community to respond effectively. Just recently, Arizona received a second shipment of essential resources from the Strategic National Stockpile, including:

• 60,000 N95 Face Masks
• 26,000 Face Shields
• 90,000 Sets of Gloves
• 244,000 Surgical Face Masks
• 22,000 Surgical Gowns

For city specific information, please click below.

How You Can Help

If you would like to volunteer or have resources you would like to donate to help our community, check out the organizations below:

• Banner Health
• Salvation Army of Sun Cities West Valley
• Pure Heart Church
• Northwest Valley Connect

If you know of organizations that are helping with Coronavirus, please contact our office at 623-776-7911 so we can add them to our resource list! 

Additionally, we can all take precautions to stop the spread of Coronavirus. Please review the guidelines below and do your part to protect our nation. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms or need more information, please visit Coronavirus.gov. 

How to Stay Up to Date

During this continued outbreak, please know that my office is here to help. My offices are fully operational, however, my staff located in both Surprise and D.C. are currently working remotely. Feel free to contact us via phone, 623-776-7911 or 202-225-4576, or via email by going to my website at https://lesko.house.gov/contact/.

You can also get frequent updates on Coronavirus and more, by liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter. 

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko