Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning,

This week, I could not return to Washington, D.C. as scheduled, as I came into contact with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19. After consulting with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, and out of an abundance of caution, I am undergoing a 14-day quarantine. I tested negative for COVID-19, but I will continue to quarantine for the time recommended by the Attending Physician. I am grateful to all who have offered their prayers during this time.

While I was in Arizona, I had an important call with San Luis Mayor Gerardo Sanchez, Luis Ramirez, and Martin Rodriguez Nunez to discuss the San Luis I port of entry modernization project. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has deemed this project a national priority, and it is one of my highest priorities in Congress to uphold our national security. I also had a call with the mayors and local officials of the cities in our district, including Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Youngtown, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park. We discussed the biggest issues they are facing and potential solutions at the federal level. I also had a call with General Gustave F. Perna and Dr. Moncef Slaoui, who are working with the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed to discuss how they plan to distribute a safe and effective Coronavirus vaccine to the American people soon!

Legislative Update

I introduced legislation called the Stop China’s IP Theft Act to ban certain Chinese Communist Party officials, active duty members of the Chinese military, and their immediate family members from entering the U.S. until the Director of National Intelligence certifies that the People’s Republic of China has stopped stealing U.S. intellectual property. China has a history of stealing our intellectual property and has overtly recruited researchers, scientists, and others to transfer information and intellectual capital to the Chinese government. This bill would prevent these bad actors from entering the U.S. to steal our intellectual property and sends the message that we will no longer tolerate this theft.

I also introduced another bill, the Student Aid and Tax-Advantaged Accounts Reform Act of 2020, also known as the STAR Act, to help families save for higher education for their children, especially families with multiple children. The student loan debt crisis has impacted many individuals and families who are struggling to make payments on their student loans. This is an important bill to address this crisis without having to utilize taxpayer funds for costly bailouts. I hope this legislation will lessen the burden on America’s families and help parents finance their children’s education.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Gisele from our office attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of Cantina Gueros, an authentic Mexican restaurant in Peoria. Cantina Gueros was opened by Joey Lucidi of Westside Concepts, and this is the ninth restaurant Westside Concepts has opened in the Northwest Valley. Gisele attended with Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, members of the Peoria City Council, and members of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, including Chamber President Scot Andrews.

Encouraging Stories

I loved seeing this news about the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum, which won the Museum Association of Arizona’s Institutional Award of Excellence for 2020! This award is presented annually to a museum based on its collection, preservation, research, and education. The Del Webb Sun Cities Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Sun City and Sun City West and won the award for excellence in increasing membership, its social media presence, and the amount of information available through its website and research center. Congratulations to the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum!

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted us because he is on a limited income and could not afford the payment for back taxes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) due to his medical conditions. Our office reached out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service and worked with both the IRS and the constituent to get the necessary paperwork completed so the constituent could be placed in a non-collectible status. After submitting multiple rounds of paperwork, the IRS confirmed they placed the constituent in a non-collectible status.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because her daughter was stuck in Peru due to COVID-19 restrictions and was unable to return to the United States. Our office worked with the U.S. State Department Task Force, and the constituent's daughter was able to return to the United States. 

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