Hi there,

This year as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month and the contributions of Hispanic and Latino families to the fabric of our society, we do so in the shadow of a crisis that is disproportionately affecting Latino communities. But with the strength of family and faith and a little help from allies, we can ensure that we make it through these trying times just as Hispanic families have for generations.

When MJ tells stories about her time serving in uniform, it’s often about the people she served with and learned so much from. Folks from different backgrounds -- be it ethnicity, religion, economic status, or national origin -- came together to complete the mission. On the battlefield, they had each other's backs. Unity, teamwork, and the shared mission was the only way to succeed and this is how we will make it through the challenge before us.

From the farm worker to the grocery store clerk to the emergency room doctor and teacher in the classroom, we are seeing the contributions of Latinos on the frontlines of this crisis just as we would on a battlefield. Right now, we need to come together to recover -- not build barriers amongst ourselves.

Meanwhile Sen. Cornyn turned a blind eye -- failing to take the action we desperately needed to contain COVID-19, which is now disproportionately affecting Latino communities in Texas. Then, when it came to light that many minority-owned small businesses were denied PPP loans, he refused to even vote on a bill that would address this disparity.

MJ took an oath to defend against threats both foreign and domestic -- that’s why she believes we have to mobilize all of our resources to support communities ravaged by COVID-19. It’s why she’s called on leaders to step up their support and listen to our cries for help.

Let’s make this Hispanic Heritage Month not just a celebration of the contributions of Latinos across the state of Texas, and our country, but also a recognition that we need to confront the challenges that Latinos face every day. For the next 49 days, let’s continue working to elect leaders who recognize that there is so much more we have to do.

-- Team MJ

P.S. We’re continuing the conversation at a special event tomorrow evening where MJ will be joined by Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, and other special guests to discuss the importance and power of Latino voters. Sign up here and we’ll send you all the details you need to join.