Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

I was very busy working in Arizona this week. I met with aerospace and defense industry leaders in Arizona to strategize about how to bring the Space Force Command Headquarters to Arizona. I toured Athletico, a physical therapy company in our district, and spoke with members of Athletico’s leadership. I met with Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Perez about our border and national security, and I spoke with TSA Administrator Pekoske to find out what TSA is doing to protect both travelers and TSA officers from the Coronavirus. I was proud to co-lead a virtual event on ending domestic violence with organizations from across the nation. I was happy to meet with this year’s winner of the 8th Congressional District Art Competition. I spoke with constituents whom our office has helped with federal agencies, and I joined a virtual tour of the Banner Surgical Center. I also presented an 8th District Congressional Recognition to Angels on Patrol, a non-profit that partners with law enforcement officers to help people in need.

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 introduce bipartisan legislation known as Carrie’s Law with Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) to help end mandatory arbitration for victims of physical sexual assault. It is so important that we give victims the option to choose arbitration or civil court in instances of physical sexual assault so that victims are not forced to sign away their right to take their perpetrators to court when they sign their employment contracts. This a good bill that will help the American people, and I hope it encourages people to come forward and seek justice. I also hope this legislation quickly passes the House and Senate and is signed into law soon!

Encouraging Stories

It was great to see this story about how two members of the Sun City Agua Fria National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter honored local Vietnam War-era Veterans. The women presented the Veterans with a 50th anniversary commemorative lapel pin to recognize their service to our country. In our great state of Arizona, there are approximately 160,000 Vietnam-era Veterans, and I love seeing the ways people honor our brave veterans who risked their lives to defend our freedom!

Angels on Patrol Congressional Recognition

This week, I presented a Congressional Recognition to Angels on Patrol. Founded in 2009 after an officer rescued children from horrific abuse, Angels on Patrol is a non-profit that provides officer-initiated support to community members in times of crisis. I’m so thankful to have these heroes in our community!

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Update

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) new website landing page makes it easier for Veterans and family members to access information on VA benefits and services. The VA is working to take the complexity out of navigating its benefits and services to save Veterans time and increase their awareness and understanding of how to apply for benefits such as health care, education, compensation, assistance for caregivers, or memorial benefits. Visit www.va.gov/getstarted to learn more about the VA benefits Veterans have earned with their service, and more information can be found here.

Casework Highlight

A constituent had been trying to get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to obtain a VA loan for two years. He had been denied multiple times because the VA needed documentation to prove he had the six creditable years of service required for Reserve Components eligibility. Our office was able to coordinate communication between the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, National Personnel Records Center, Department of the Army, and the VA to obtain the records needed. The veteran is now eligible for the benefits to which he is entitled and intends to obtain a VA loan to purchase a home in the future.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because he was unable to return to work due to testing positive for COVID-19. It appeared that he was ineligible to receive unemployment for the timeframe that he tested positive. We reached out to the Department of Economic Security and discovered that he was eligible. Shortly afterward, he received all his weekly benefits for the timeframe for which he was unable to work.

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