Good afternoon,

This week, I returned to Arizona and got to work helping constituents as Arizona begins to reopen. As our society begins to reopen, know that my office is here to help you as you navigate these changing times.

Week in Review

Watch the video below to get an update on all I’ve been doing this week since returning to Arizona. 

Legislative Update

I recently co-sponsored H.R. 6805, the Getting Americans Back to Work Act. This is a common-sense bill that will cap the amount of unemployment insurance benefits an individual can receive through the CARES Act at 100% of their previous earnings. Right now, businesses have been telling me they are having a hard time re-hiring their workers, because the workers are getting paid more in unemployment benefits to sit home, than to go back to work. This has to be corrected. This bill will allow businesses who are reopening to offer a competitive wage to their employees and get them back to work! 

Encouraging Stories

I enjoyed this story about a Peoria school teacher who was surprised with a Silver Apple Award for her positive encouragement to all her students. 

I also loved this story about how a local non-profit is helping provide essential items to children in foster care. I have been so encouraged by the outpouring of support for kids in our communities, especially during this difficult time.

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because his wife passed away last year, and he was told that he would receive her final Social Security payment. He made multiple phone calls and visits to the Social Security Glendale field office, but the issue remained unresolved. After contacting us, we reached out to this office and discovered that the issue was with the payment center. We then reached out to the payment center and shortly thereafter, the funds were released.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because, after a number of attempts, he had been unable to reach the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to apply for unemployment. Our office worked with him, explained the process, and helped to make sure his information got to DES so his application could be processed.

As always, my office is here to help. My staff located in both Surprise and Washington, D.C. are currently working remotely. However, both offices are fully operational and stand ready to assist you. 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/.

I encourage you to visit the website and to also follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page for up to date information about the ongoing outbreak and available resources.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation. 

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko