NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,  
 
I hope you and your families are safe and well. It has been a busy couple of weeks and I wanted to provide you with a brief update about what we have been working on to serve the people of the 15th Congressional District of Texas. Together, we will continue to seize opportunities and overcome the challenges our communities face.  

Introducing the Bipartisan Images Act of 2021 

On Thursday, June 24, Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02) and I introduced H.R. 4088, the Improvement of Mapping, Addresses, Geography, Elevation, and Structures (IMAGES) Act of 2021, will provide accurate mapping standards within  the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)  These updated flood maps will provide property-level detail, so that individuals, as well as governments, can know their risk with certainty, which can then be utilized to prepare for future natural disasters. 

Read more about the bill here. 

My Appointment to the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth 

On Tuesday, June 15, I was selected by the Speaker of the House to serve on the U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, which was established in the 117th Congress. As a member of this committee I will focus on bipartisan solutions to expand access to reliable broadband, improve infrastructure connectivity, and advocate for key projects and programs that will promote equitable growth in our region.   

Modeled after President Franklin Roosevelt’s Temporary National Economic Committee, the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth will investigate and offer solutions to close the widening economic divide in a way that ensures liberty, prosperity and opportunity for all. 

Read my full statement and find the list of my colleagues I’ll be working with here. 

My Statement on Governor Abbott’s Proposed Border wall 

On Thursday, June 17, I responded to Governor Abbott’s decision to fund a border wall. 

Taxpayer dollars should be invested in weatherizing our electric grid and technology to effectively safeguard the border instead of a medieval wall that has been overcome by ladders.  

I will continue to advocate for a safe, humane, and orderly immigration system and address the root causes of migration in Central America rather than putting Band-Aids on the problem.  

Read my full statement here.  

My Visit with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra 

On Friday Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary  Xavier Becerra and I toured several HHS migrant and childcare facilities and spoke at length about the situation that’s happening on our border. 
 

I’ll continue to work with the Administration to ensure that we stay on top of these issues.  
 
Head Start Funding from the American Rescue Plan 

On Monday, June 22, I announced an award of $4,415,085 for the Hidalgo County Head Start Program as part of the American Rescue Plan. The American Rescue Plan provided $1 billion for early childhood development and educational programs. 

The funds will be used to construct Outdoor Learning Environments and Discovery Classrooms located behind the administration office building in McAllen . These facilities will offer all 3,690 children in the program to explore and experience nature. Read the press release here. 

Congressional Art Competition Winners 

On Friday, June 18, I had the honor to announce our winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. I was blown away by the amazing submissions this year and the level of artistry and creativity in the 15th District.  

The winner will have their art showcased in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for one year.  

Congratulations to Elizabeth Miranda from McAllen High School who won with her beautiful submission, “Unprecedented”. 

The runners-up are: 

2nd Place – Emilee Fisher, George West HS, “Lady Liberty” 

3rd Place TIE – Nicole Castellanos, McAllen Memorial HS, “Masking Hope” 

3rd Place TIE – Catherine Guiza, McAllen Memorial HS, “Supremacy” (Not pictured)

 
Celebrating our Graduates 

Congratulations to our 2021 graduates! I was honored to help mark this important milestone and celebrate all of our graduate’s’ accomplishments. It was a privilege to be part of this moment and be the keynote speak at Donna ISD graduations. 

A special congratulations to Amaya Sauceda from Donna High School and Pablo Ramon III from Donna North High School (featured below). They received a Congressional Certificate for their outstanding scholastic accomplishments.

   

Again, congratulation class of 2021! I cannot wait to see what you’ll achieve next! 

American Rescue Plan Funding for the Cities of Schertz and Marion 

Last week, I was proud to present the City of Schertz with over $9 million in direct funding from the American Rescue Plan. This relief will go towards the rebuilding and support of our businesses and communities as they confront the long-term economic effects of the pandemic, as well as help us build back better. 

I also presented the City of Marion with $270,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan, which will enable them to emerge stronger from the pandemic.  

Cities like Marion, Schertz, and others across the 15th District have worked around the clock  during this pandemic and I am proud to bring much needed relief back home. 
 
Reminders & Updates

 Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Program Application 

The U.S. Treasury Departments Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) program is now accepting applications. The portal will be open through Monday, July 19, 2021. 

Eligible transportation services can apply to receive aid with resources to maintain payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead and operational expenses. You can read their guidelines here  and apply here. 
 
Home Refinancing Options for Low-Income Families  

On Sunday, June 6, Fannie Mae made RefiNow available to single-family lenders in connection with the Federal House Finance Agency (FHFA) refinance option for low-income borrowers with Enterprise-backed single-family mortgages.  

Among the features offered with the RefiNow option, it:  

• Reduces a borrower’s monthly payment.  
• Provides a $500 appraisal credit to the lender at the time the loan is purchased if an appraisal was obtained for the transaction.  
• Waives the 50 basis point adverse market refinance fee for loans at or below $300,000.  
• Allows a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) up to 65%.  

To learn more click here. 

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit   
  
I  encourage  residents of the 15th  District of Texas to utilize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency  Broadband Benefit  program. The FCC program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households.   
   
To learn more about the program and to apply, click here.   
   
SBA Targeted EIDL Advance Applications    
   
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting requests to reevaluate declined Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance applications. To request a reevaluation, applicants should follow these steps:   
 

• Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]   
• Include in the body of the email identifying information for the application including application number, business name, business address, business owner names(s), and phone number.  
• Please also include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete our review.   

 
SBA Shuttered Vendors Grant    
   
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Shuttered Vendors Grant portal is now functional after a turbulent launch.   
   
Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. Eligible applicants include: live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators (including owners), and talent representatives.   
   
Apply for the grant here.   
   
As always, it is my sincere honor to represent the 15th District of Texas. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns in relation to federal matters.   

*Please do not respond to this email as this inbox is not monitored. Instead, please visit Gonzalez.House.Gov or call us at (956) 682-5545 or (202) 225-2531.* 


Sincerely,

Vicente Gonzalez
Member of Congress