IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES

Dear Friends,

As many of you know things are moving rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. I wanted to give you a brief update of what we are working on to help the constituents of the 15th District of Texas during these turbulent times. 

Congressman Gonzalez Hosts Press Conference on CARES Act Updates

On Thursday, I hosted a press conference at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce to discuss the latest updates from the CARES Act. Full coverage of the press conference is available here. 

Congressman Gonzalez Announces New Tools for Rural Constituents

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has created a new list of tools for constituents in rural America to utilize for economic relief. I highly encourage all who are in need of assistance to apply or reach out my office for help. 

A full summary of USDA assistance is available here. 

Congressman Gonzalez Postpones Vietnam War Pinning Ceremony 

After consulting medical professionals, I have decided to postpone the originally scheduled Sunday, April 19 Vietnam War Lapel Pinning Ceremony until further notice. Those who have served in Vietnam War are in one of the most susceptible demographics for the coronavirus. As soon as medical experts deem that it is safe to congregate as a community we will honor our valiant veterans. 

IRS Launches "Get My Payment" App to Track Stimulus Payment 

This week the U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRS launched the “Get My Payment” web application. “Get My Payment” is an online app that will display on any desktop, phone or tablet. It does not need to be downloaded from an app store. 

The FREE app allows taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide their banking information on either return to submit direct deposit information.  Once they do, they will get their Economic Impact Payments deposited directly in their bank accounts, instead of waiting for a check to arrive in the mail.  “Get My Payment” also allows taxpayers to track the status of their payment.

Congressman Gonzalez Announces Availability of $38 Million for Local Governments and First Responders

I recently announced the availability of $38 million in federal funds through the Texas Governor’s Public Safety Office (PSO) to local governments in Texas. These funds come from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by Congress and signed into law by the president in late-March.

Those entities who wish to receive funding can apply here or contact my office for assistance. 

Congressman Gonzalez Announces More Than $50 Million for Higher Education Institutions 

This week announced $55,764,850 for higher education institutions in the 15th District of Texas. This federal funding comes as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which will help colleges and universities with the impacts of the coronavirus. I will push for the federal funding from the CARES Act to be disseminated quickly to schools and students throughout the 15th District, and continue to fight for additional funds for the region to combat COVID-19.

To read more, my full press release is available here. 

Congressman Gonzalez Creates New PSAs with City of McAllen

I partnered with the City of McAllen to create a 30 second English and 30 second Spanish public service announcement with helpful tips on how residents of the Rio Grande Valley can do their part to slow the spread of the pandemic disease.  

WATCH: English PSA

WATCH: Spanish PSA

Questions?

As always it is an honor to serve the 15th District of Texas. If you are ever in need of assistance, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at Gonzalez.House.Gov. 

Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress