Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

I had another wonderful week.This week, I spoke at the Anthem Area Leadership Academy where I met with some of our community leaders and the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce. I provided them with an update on what I am doing in Washington, D.C., and my work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to support our local businesses and our district. I also had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Stream Energy Forum where I heard from other members of Congress and stakeholders in the energy industry about how we can advance affordable and reliable clean energy solutions that also maintain our energy security. I am also looking forward to touring the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base this weekend and discussing how the 944th Fighter Wing Reserve plays a key role in training combat pilots and sustaining the aircraft at the base.

Legislative Update

I cosponsored Congressman Dan Bishop’s Let States Cut Taxes Act to repeal the provisions in Democrats’ so-called “COVID-19 relief” package that prohibit states from enacting new tax cuts. In the middle of an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we should not be preventing tax cuts that help Americans and stimulate economic growth. It is disgraceful that the Democrats snuck this provision in at the last minute and enacted a policy that could stifle our economic recovery and harm American workers. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Bishop’s bill that seeks to encourage pro-growth policies and stop this egregious federal overreach on states’ ability to set their own tax policies.

Congressional Recognition

I presented a Congressional Recognition to Jeannie Grates, a leader in supporting the military and those with Dementia, including leading the Glendale Chapter of Dementia Friendly America. Jeannie also recently received the “Celebrating You” award from WSLE West Valley Senior Living Events, a women’s networking group, for going above and beyond helping the senior living care industry. I am proud to recognize Jeannie for her commitment and enthusiasm toward making our community a better place.

Austin from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to the Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Peoria Criminal Justice Program. The Peoria Criminal Justice Program works with the Peoria Police Department in providing homeless individuals with valuable resources and support aimed at ending homelessness and diverting individuals from jail and prosecution into shelters and rehabilitation services. The Phoenix Rescue Mission also offers a wide variety of services across the valley that work to combat the issues of homelessness and hunger.

Encouraging Story

I am happy to share this story about Girl Scout Troop 558 in Peoria, AZ which sold the most Girl Scout Cookies in the state! This troop also donated almost 500 boxes to different local charities. I want to congratulate Troop 558 on their success, and these young leaders should be proud of their great accomplishments!

Casework Highlight

A constituent reached out to our office because she was not receiving survivor benefits for her deceased husband. Our office reached out to the Social Security Administration and worked with the Payment Center to release the constituents’ benefits.

Coronavirus Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office because the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) had approved them for benefits but had not yet sent the payment. Our office reached out to DES. One week later the constituents were contacted, and they received their payment, including back pay.

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 Instagram 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