Looking Back on 2020

Dear Neighbor,

I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy and staying safe during this holiday season. As we look back on 2020—and as we look forward to 2021—I wanted to give you this report on our activities this past year.

2020 has challenged our health and our prosperity, our democracy and our freedom.

It has never been clearer that true liberty is about more than what’s put on paper – it’s about our ability to see our loved ones, to live without discrimination, to stay healthy, to have educational and career opportunities, and to keep our children in school.

As your representative in Congress, I have fought every day to ensure that you – and all of us – can be free to live a life of safety, prosperity, justice, and health. We worked for health care, economic relief, government accountability, community safety, civil liberties, justice in policing, and, in the face of inaction by the administration, tried to pull together a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below, you will find more information on our work this year.

But first, a reminder that my top priority is always to serve you. I know that many people in our community have struggled this year for reasons outside of their control. If you need assistance, please reach out. I want to hear from you, and I promise that we will do everything in our power to help. My office can be reached at 321-388-9808.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you. Take care and stay safe.

Sincerely,

U.S. Rep. Val Demings

Working for Our Community

As your Congresswoman, I only succeed when you succeed. My staff and I have worked tirelessly this year to get our constituents important assistance, federal funding for community services, and help when a rightly-owed benefit was denied.

Despite these successes, there is always more we must do. When the Senate failed to pass additional relief for COVID-19, and when our governor's mismanagement led to an explosion of cases and the collapse of Florida's unemployment system, we helped constituents access critical help to keep families whole. When many families didn't receive the $1,200 checks as approved by Congress, we worked to ensure that checks went to every household.

Battling COVID-19

COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, turned our country upside down. In the early days of the pandemic, there was still hope that the administration would act to keep Americans safe. This did not happen. While we passed dozens of bills to save lives and keep people in their jobs and homes, nearly all of them were blocked by the president and the Senate.

While other countries around the world successfully squashed the virus, our administration attacked the science and allowed uncontrolled spread across our country. In Congress, we took action to protect American families.

I am proud of all of you who wore masks, reduced movement, and took this virus seriously. If you are continuing to struggle due to the pandemic, are unable to access the benefits you’re owed, or are at risk of hunger or homelessness, please contact my office at (321) 388-9808.

Here's what happened this year:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
As COVID began to spread, we created an emergency paid leave program with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave. The bill passed the House on March 13 and was signed into law on March 18, 2020.

The CARES Act
The CARES Act was the largest emergency legislation in history. It funded hospitals, kept Americans safe and healthy, kept businesses afloat, and stopped evictions and hunger. It included unprecedented spending for:
> Testing, treatment, and hospitals
> Direct payments to Americans
> Unemployment insurance, including gig workers for the first time
> Small businesses, essential workers, and aviation jobs

The CARES Act also included $1,200 checks for every American. I strongly supported this legislation, and pushed for more.

The HEROES Act
In May, we followed up on this success, passing The HEROES Act through the House of Representatives. The HEROES Act was an even larger emergency relief package. It would have included critical funding for testing, treatment, hospitals, small businesses, and community emergency services, as well as $2,000 direct payments to every American, rent relief, expanded unemployment insurance, and funding to open schools safely.

Unfortunately, outrageously, this important legislation was blocked by the president and the Senate.

CARES II
A month later we passed the next major package, desperately working to save lives, save overwhelmed hospitals, keep people in their jobs, provide food assistance for hungry families, and save small businesses.

HEROES II
HEROES II was yet another attempt to break the blockade. We compromised. We proposed numerous compromises, because we knew that the American people desperately needed help.

They once again did not bring it up for a vote.

Helping Constituents in Crisis
Due to the lack of COVID relief from the Senate, many of our neighbors were hurting this year. My office worked overtime to help as many people as possible.

“Thank you again for responding to my request for assistance in receiving my state and federal UI. I was delighted (and relieved) this morning when I saw that my bank account had received the first few weeks of DEO UI. Please extend my gratitude to Congresswoman Val Demings and all of the hard working folks in your office.” — Dan

“I don’t know how to express my thanks for all that you did for me and my beloved wife Ruth in finally getting my portion of the stimulus payment. You truly went the extra mile for me and in this day and age that is a rare thing.” — Charles

“I wanted to reach out to Ms. Demings’ office and say thank you for all your help…You all are truly amazing.” — Denise

“Thank you, Val Demings and her staff for taking the time to help me resolve this matter with DEO. I have received the federal benefits that I was entitled to…Thank you again for everything you have done.” — Allen

“I just wanted to thank Representative Demings’ office…for the wonderful work you all have performed for my wife Peggy and myself. We have received both our 2020 tax refund and our stimulus checks this past week.” — Paul

Giving All Families a Chance to Succeed

Whether in a pandemic or not, every person living in the greatest country on earth deserves access to the basics: safe housing and good schools, a good job with dignity and fair pay, affordable health care, childcare, and more. Seniors deserve to retire with dignity and respect. These are the building blocks of a good life.

Keeping Our Communities Safe

As a former law enforcement officer of 27 years, I believe that every one of us should have the right to live in a safe community. You should never have to fear for your safety. I’ve made it my mission in Congress to protect us from threats to our safety, health, and democracy, and to ensure that the people who protect us have the tools, training, and support to do the job safely, effectively, and fairly.

Protecting Our Housing During Disasters

Protecting Our Republic

President Reagan said that “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…it must be fought for, protected, and handed on.” We have seen this year that so many of our freedoms and institutions are deeply fragile. The very essence of our democracy was attacked by people inside and outside of our country, who tried to take away our rights to vote and peacefully demonstrate, attack the post office and the census, and abuse their offices for personal gain.

I swore oaths to the Constitution as a police officer and a member of Congress, and I’ll always fight to preserve our republic. We passed critical legislation this year to save the post office, ensure an accurate census, protect our right to vote, and stop foreign attacks on our election.

Protecting Our Right to Vote
In addition to supporting historic legislation to restore the Voting Rights Act and protect our elections, this year I responded to the attempts to undermine Florida’s Amendment Four by introducing the Every American Has the Right to Vote Act to ensure the voting rights of all Americans regardless of prior criminal convictions. In a true democracy, all of our voices must be protected.

Celebrating Our Equality
In America, my rights are no more important than yours, and vice versa. All of us should have the chance to live in freedom, safety, and prosperity. I supported legislation this year to help make that
a reality by working to:

Pass the Equality Act, America’s first-ever federal legislation to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Revive the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure gender equality in the U.S. Constitution
Make lynching a federal crime
Protect the civil rights of property owners from government seizures
Create a new Smithsonian Women’s History Museum
Create a new Smithsonian American Latino History Museum
Extend statehood and full representation to Puerto Rico
Condemn and stop anti-Asian prejudice during the pandemic
Protect the human rights of the Uyghur minority in China
Create a Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys
Further fund the U.S. Census to ensure every American counts

Committing to Media Diversity
This year the House of Representatives passed H.Res.549, the legislation that I introduced and led, which states that Congress reaffirms its commitment to media diversity. By working with media entities and diverse stakeholders, we have a chance to develop common ground solutions to eliminate barriers to media diversity. Any child, no matter where they come from, should be able to find a successful career in media, and every American, no matter their race, gender, zip code, or background, should have the opportunity to have their stories told. I'm proud that the House of Representatives passed by legislation, and excited to continue this important work.

Ending Blood Donation Discrimination
After the Pulse shooting, many of the victims’ friends and families were denied a chance to donate blood — because they were gay. This year, I introduced new legislation to strike down this outdated and biased rule, and to put health and safety first. No one should be denied the chance to help save lives because of whom they love.

Impeachment

Honoring Local Artists

Each year, I have the pleasure to judge the 10th District Congressional Art Competition. Talented local high school students submit dozens of projects, and the winner's art is displayed for the next year in the U.S. Capitol.

This year, the 10th District winner is Ali Malik from Dr. Phillips High School, for his artwork, “Crane." Congratulations Ali!

Our second-place winner this year is Jeneice Ware, also recently of Dr. Phillips High School, for her artwork “Beauty Transcends Color."

Thank you to the students and teachers who make this competition happen every year. I'm proud of everyone who participated, and excited for next year!

How We Can Help You

This has been a difficult time for many in our community, especially as we struggle with a complicated network of federal benefits and a broken Florida unemployment system. My teams in Washington D.C. and Orlando are available to help you.

Resources for Floridians Facing Eviction
If you are a renter at risk of losing your home, your first step should be to check if you are covered by the recent CDC eviction moratorium. More information on whether you are eligible can be found here: https://nlihc.org/national-eviction-moratorium

If you are at risk of losing your home, I strongly recommend that you contact the following services:

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida: (800) 405-1417

Legal Aid Society of the Orange County (407) 841-8310 [email protected]

United Way of Central Florida dial 2-1-1

In addition, please reach out to my office at 321-388-9808 if you are struggling to access assistance. We will do everything in our power to keep you in your home.

Florida's Broken Unemployment Systemc
Unfortunately, we have heard countless horror stories regarding the state's failure to provide timely payments and information for Floridians who should qualify for unemployment assistance, including the expanded assistance that Congress previously passed. We can help you find information and navigate this complicated and confusing situation. If you need help, please call us at 321-388-9808.

One described her multitude of calls and attempts to find help, saying that our office was her "first human correspondence." She wrote, "I am a citizen, registered voter and central Florida actively involved community resident, parent and healthcare worker for over 20 years. My claim status is active and my monetary status is pending. I NEED HELP! I have done EVERYTHING asked of me."

Another wrote, "I have not heard anything from them yet. I have called and nobody is available ever, when I ask information about my case it says that it has problems accessing my information. I have spent countless hours in front of the computer trying to log in...I am very distressed, it is disheartening to have to go through all of this. I find myself without a job to provide for my family, I cannot find anybody to help me in the process, I do not know where to go or what to do."

Another: "I applied for food stamps and unemployment since early April. To date it’s still pending. I have no money to feed my self and my two sons. Right now my mom is helping me with food. My mother is on Social Security. Can you help me please? What can I do to correct this? Not sure where to go and what to do. I thought of you last night and was wondering if you can help me."

I'm glad that she thought of our office. Again, if you need help, please call us at 321-388-9808.

While the Florida unemployment system is under state control and I have no direct influence over it, my office can assist you with getting information and answers, and we will do everything in our power to help.

Additional Assistance
Our office can also help you with any problem you are having with a federal service or benefit. Earlier this year, for example, we helped individuals reclaim wrongfully-withheld income tax refunds. One constituent, whose father is a decorated Korean War Veteran, had trouble getting his VA benefits. We worked with this family to have his claim reviewed and approved, with nearly $20,000 in back-payments. Overall, advocates at the Taxpayer Advocate Service have helped retrieve tens of thousands of dollars in income tax refunds for 10th District constituents.

Wrote one, "I wanted to reach out to Mrs. Demings office and say thank you for all your help with receiving my refund back. You all are truly amazing."

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During this tough time, I want to assure you that my staff and I are still working and ready to assist you. If you need help, please let us know. You can contact us here.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve and represent you. Please continue to care for one another and stay safe. I know that we can get through this together.

Sincerely,

U.S. Rep. Val Demings


WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 217 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-2176	ORLANDO OFFICE 2295 S Hiawassee Rd, Suite 301 Orlando, FL 32835 Phone: 321-388-9808