Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good afternoon,

This week, I attended a Western Caucus tour where I was briefed on wildfire aviation suppression technology and viewed aerial firefighting equipment that allows planes to drop 10,000 gallons of water, technology that is critical to combatting wildfires in Arizona and across the southwest. We also heard from the President of the California Farm Bureau and the Executive Director of the Western U.S. Agriculture Trade Association on agricultural developments.

Legislative Update

I am a cosponsor of House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act of 2021 to protect safeguards for patients with pre-existing conditions. This bill guarantees access to coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, prohibits pre-existing conditions benefit exclusions, and bans a premium rating based on health status. This is an important bill that will help to bring down costs and ensure people can maintain control over their own health care decisions.

I am also proud to cosponsor Representative Mark Green’s resolution in honor of Memorial Day to commemorate the men and women who have given their lives defending our nation and our freedoms. These brave men and women deserve our recognition and gratitude, and we can never truly repay them for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Biden's Reckless Budget Proposal

Last Friday, President Joe Biden unveiled his $6 trillion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2022, which amounts to the largest government spending since World War II. This budget shows that Biden cares more about the agenda of the left than helping the American people. We are facing high levels of inflation thanks to the Biden Administration's current spending, yet Biden’s answer is to spend even more money, which will continue to drive up prices that will be felt in the wallets of every American. Biden has also proposed to allocate $124 million to the World Health Organization, which has failed to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for covering up COVID-19. During one of the worst border crises in history, Biden's proposed budget also fails to mention border security or acknowledge the crisis at the southern border. To make the budget proposal even worse, Biden's budget fails to include the Hyde Amendment to safeguard taxpayer dollars from funding abortions, an amendment that Joe Biden himself used to support. You can read my op-ed why the budget must include pro-life protections here.

Congressional Art Competition Winners

I am proud to announce this year’s winners for the Congressional Art Competition! I am so pleased to recognize these very talented young artists in our community. Congratulations to this year’s winners, and I thank everyone who participated in the competition. Our first place winner was Brooke Wells, an 11^th grade student at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, AZ, for her piece titled, “Arizona Reflections.” Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Our second place winner is Dang Le, an 11^th grade student at Deer Valley High School in Glendale, AZ for his oil painting titled, “Oversaturated.” His artwork will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Washington, D.C. Office for one year.

Our third place winner is Eliseo Miguel an 11^th grade student at Valley Vista High School in Surprise, AZ for his piece, “Dreamer.” The piece will be displayed in Congresswoman Lesko’s Surprise District Office for one year.

Encouraging Story

I am pleased to share this story about Peoria, AZ resident Olga Tipton-Tucker, who was recently named a Hometown Hero. Ms.Tipton-Tucker enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004, went into active duty until 2010, and served in the Army Reserves until 2012. She was a combat veteran in Iraq and suffered from C-PTSD. As a result, she now works with multiple organizations that make veterans and mental health part of their mission, including working toward lowering veteran suicide.

Casework Highlight

A constituent contacted our office after he won an appeal to receive Social Security Disability Insurance. The constituent was awarded the payment, but it was mailed to an old address. Once the check was returned to the payment center, the constituent tried for seven months to have the check reissued to him but was unsuccessful. Our office contacted the Social Security Administration and was able to get the payment sent by direct deposit to the constituent’s bank account.

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