Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

This week, I was back in Arizona where I met with the Vice President and Senior Vice President of Finance for Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Arizona headquarters, where we discussed my work in Congress to support businesses and their workers during the pandemic, including voting for the CARES Act that President Trump signed into law. I also met with the Arizona Manufacturers Council, where we talked about the importance of Arizona’s manufacturers, many of whom have stepped up to help Arizonans combat the Coronavirus, and the challenges they have faced as a result of the pandemic.

Week in Review 

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

Legislative Update

I am proud to cosponsor Representative Elliot Engel’s bipartisan resolution to support the Abraham Accords, the historic peace agreements President Trump brokered between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Israel and Bahrain. This is a great resolution that honors the huge strides the Trump Administration has taken toward building a more secure and prosperous Middle East. I am a strong supporter of our ally Israel, and I am encouraged that these first steps will pave the way for future agreements and peace in the Middle East.

Encouraging Stories

It was great to see this story about Matthew Hanna from Sun City, who was recently named a hero by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission that recognizes people who perform extraordinary acts of heroism. He was nominated by the Sun City Fire and Medical Department for crawling inside a nearby home that had caught on fire to rescue his neighbor who was trapped inside. It is great to see people like Matthew who selflessly risk their lives for the people in our communities!

Casework Highlight

A couple contacted our office because they filed their taxes and paid what they owed in a timely manner, but later received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating that they were late in paying their taxes and were being assessed interest and penalties. We opened a case on their behalf and found that they paid under the secondary beneficiary’s social security number, instead of the primary beneficiary’s number. The IRS corrected the error, and they were not charged any interest or penalties. 

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted us because she is a notary and was concerned about being at risk when needing to meet people in person due to COVID-19. Our office reached out to the Arizona Secretary of State’s office regarding remote online notarization. Once we were able to confirm that online capability was available, we contacted the constituent with information on how to access these options.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced they are launching the first phase of their expansion of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers thanks to President Trump signing the MISSION Act in 2018. Caregivers of veterans who served during the Vietnam War or earlier are now eligible to apply for caregiver support benefits! Veterans and family members can apply online here or contact the Phoenix VA Caregiver Support Coordinator at 602-277-5551 for assistance.

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