Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good morning, 

This week, I was in Arizona, where I finished up my 14-day quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19. Although I tested negative for COVID-19, out of an abundance of caution, and on the guidance of the Attending Physician of the United States Congress, I remained in quarantine for the full 14 days. This week was also Thanksgiving, and I hope you and your family had a safe and happy start to the holiday season!

Legislative Update

I cosponsored Representative Ken Buck’s legislation, the Blocking Rioters and Insurrectionists from our Cities to Keep us Safe Act, also known as the BRICKS Act, to increase penalties from five years to 10 years for those accused of inciting, organizing, aiding, abetting, or funding violent riots. Rioting and looting have plagued our nation for far too long, and we must hold anarchist groups like ANTIFA accountable for the destruction they have caused across our nation. We must stand for law and order against the violence of the radical left.

Community Events

In the past week, our staff has attended many local events! Monica from our office attended a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Dairy Queen in Glendale! She attended the ceremony with Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and Kelly Street, the owner. 

Monica also attended a ribbon cutting for the one-mile extension of Cardinals Way and presented a certificate of congratulations to Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers! This extension will ease access to the sports and entertainment district and will help bring in new jobs to our community.

Monica from our staff also attended a candle lighting ceremony hosted by Billy's Place, a local non-profit based in Glendale. This ceremony honored Children’s Greif Awareness Day, which recognizes kids and families who have lost parents, children, and siblings in their lives. Billy’s Place serves West Valley residents and provides grief counseling to people in need.

Congressional Recognitions

Gisele from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Hearts 2 Help Thrift Store, a local non-profit in Sun City started by Shirley and Andrea Ortiz. They are a mother and daughter duo who started Hearts 2 Help to provide essential items to those in need and encourage them to be successful. They issue vouchers to homeless veterans and domestic and sexual violence victims so they can afford to shop.

Gisele also presented a Congressional Recognition to Legal Services for Crime Victims in Arizona. Founded by Jamie Balson and Holly Stokes, this legal charity provides free legal representation to victims of crimes, including appearing in court, filing motions, and presenting oral arguments. They are mainly focused on advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence. They also offer social services, including court accompaniment, safety planning, referrals, and other resources to assist people in healing after a crime.

Encouraging Stories

I loved this story about Patricia Aliki, the Chaplain of the Sun City Agua Fria National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter, who presented a Deceased Vietnam Veterans Surviving Spouse lapel pin to Sun City resident Gail DeToy. Her husband, Sgt. Daniel DeToy, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and recently died due to health problems from exposure to Agent Orange. It is so great to see people in our community honor the family members of our veterans.

Casework Highlight

A surviving spouse of a veteran reached out to our office to assist her in obtaining her late husband’s final retirement check and recovering overpayments that her husband sent to the Defense Finance and Accounting Agency for the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP). Her husband had paid-up his benefit, but they continued to take automatic payments for nine years. We requested his final paycheck be dispersed and an audit of payments for the SBP. We were able to return his final paycheck plus the SBP overpayment, and she was very thankful for our help.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because there was an issue on his unemployment claim, and he could not reach anyone at the Department of Economic Security (DES) to have it resolved. We sent his information to our contact at the DES, and it was found that his account was attached to a different person. They were able to fix the error and he began to receive benefits.

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