Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

This week, I was back in Arizona where I spoke with U.S. Border Patrol agents about the work they are doing to secure our border and keep us safe. I also spoke with the Southwest Chamber of Commerce, where I provided an update on the work I have done in Congress to support workers and small businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, I spoke with the Maricopa County and Arizona Farm Bureau to discuss the impacts of the Coronavirus on the agriculture industry and federal programs that can provide the industry with economic support during this time.

Legislative Update

I am cosponsoring Congressman Mark Green’s bill, H.R. 8007, the Federal Reserve Sunshine Act. This is common-sense legislation that will reinstate longstanding transparency provisions for the Federal Reserve so that it cannot hold closed-door meetings about Coronavirus bailout funds. It is so important that Americans have transparency and accountability in the Federal Reserve’s decisions and plans for economic stabilization as we bring our country back from the economic effects of the Coronavirus.

Encouraging Story

I loved seeing this story from the Goodyear Police Department of Lt. Costello, who was patrolling the Palm Valley Pavilions retail area when he was flagged down by a mother and her daughter. The mother rolled down her window so that her young daughter could give him a painted police rock with a heartwarming message on the back. I love seeing the kindness and support for our brave local law enforcement!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because she filed her tax return and discovered that the Social Security Administration (SSA) placed a date of death on her Social Security number and deactivated the number. She was able to get that corrected through the SSA, but she was also having problems correcting this with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS said it would take 30 days to correct, but due to the Coronavirus, the IRS offices were closed, and she was unable to get her refund. We opened a case for her and worked with the Taxpayer Advocates Office that was able to correct the issue and release her refund.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because he was told by the Department of Economic Security (DES) that he qualified for the Pandemic Unemployment Insurance (PUI), but three months later he still had not received his benefits. During this time, he was unable to pay rent on his storage unit, and the contents of the unit were scheduled to be auctioned. We contacted DES who contacted the constituent and told him that his benefits were going to be available on his debit card within a few days. However, his benefits still did not arrive. We called again and asked DES if they could expedite a check or deposit the funds to him as quickly as possible so he would be able to pay for his storage unit. Shortly after, we received a call from the constituent letting us know that he had received the check and was able to pay for the storage unit.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. Both my Surprise district office and Washington, D.C. office are open to serve constituents. We are available over the phone and via email at both offices. In addition, the Surprise district office is taking appointments for in-person meetings with staff. We are not accepting walk-in meetings at this time due to the Coronavirus. For the safety of staff and constituents, we will be observing CDC guidelines, including wearing masks and social distancing. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911. 

Please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C. office via phone at 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