NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT
Dear Friends,
I hope you and your families are doing well. It has been a busy couple of weeks, and I wanted to provide you with a brief update about what I 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.
My Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
On Friday, November 5th, the House of Representatives voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and sent it to the President's desk. I issued a statement announcing my support for this vital legislation and what it means for our country.
Spoke at Drainage Summit about the Importance of Bringing Resources to South Texas
On Thursday, November 11th, I attended the Drainage Summit comprised of leaders from across South Texas to discuss the impact of increased flooding in the Rio Grande Valley. Our region is prone to flooding, and as one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, we have a changing landscape that is more susceptible to flooding and property damage.
It is important that we bring federal dollars to our region to address this issue so we can repair and modernize our drainage systems and complete the ongoing drainage projects.
 
Joined my Congressional Hispanic Caucus Colleagues in Requesting an Update on Their Initiative to Help Deported Veterans
On Wednesday, November 10th, I sent a letter with the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis Richard, and Secretary of U.S. Department of Defense, Llyod J. Austin, requesting information and a briefing on the status of the interagency Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI). This initiative was announced earlier this year to help noncitizen service members, veterans, and their immediate family members who have been deported.
Our servicemembers and veterans who fought for this country should be able to call it home. I welcome an update on this important initiative.
Read the letter here.
Welcomed Four Blue Ribbon Schools to my D.C. Office
Last week, my Washington, D.C. office welcomed four South Texas Blue Ribbon Schools to the United States Capitol to congratulate them on their well-deserved recognition. Our region is proud of the educators that have gone above and beyond to help foster successful and fun learning environments for our children.
Congratulations to Achieve Early College High School, South Texas ISD Rising Scholars, South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy, and Hidalgo Elementary School for being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for your outstanding work during the pandemic to ensure our kids receive the best education possible.
  
Wishing all a Happy Veterans Day
This week, my staff and I honored the service and sacrifice of veterans across South Texas.
Thank you, Brownsville VFW Post 2035, Alamo Water Supply, Jackson Elementary School, City of Mission, and UTRGV Veterans Services Center for inviting us to join you on Veterans Day. It was an honor to be among so many heroic individuals and patriots. Thank you for continuing to serve our nation and country in many ways.
I grew up in a military family and experienced firsthand the sacrifices our military members make to serve our country. I will always support our veterans and will never stop fighting for them in Congress.
Every soldier who has fought for our country should have a chance to call it home, which is why I have continuously pushed legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for our wrongfully deported veterans. My bill, H.R. 4382, the Repatriate Our Patriots Act, would do just that.
 
Announced grant of $907,299 for City of Three Rivers
Congratulations to the City of Three Rivers for receiving $907,299 from the Texas Transportation Commission to help build the 2021 Connectivity and Accessibility Loop. This funding will support building out infrastructure to enhance public safety and alternative transportation methods. I am proud to deliver funding that advances public accessibility and safety.
Recognized San Juan Restaurant Owner, Nadia Baughman-Turner for Winning the South Texas Women Owned Business Pitch Competition
Congratulations to Nadia Baughman-Turner on being chosen as the winner of the South Texas Women Owned Business Pitch Competition. Nadia owns Ann’s Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in San Juan. I’m proud to have such an amazing entrepreneur in our community, and I look forward to many more years of Ann’s Restaurant.
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Reminders & Updates
Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Application Period Opening
The FY 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is now open until December 17th.
This grant would provide direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, Emergency Medical Service Organizations, and State Fire Training Academies, to equip and train emergency personnel.
For additional information and to apply on the FY 2021 AFG Program, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/assistance-grants.
USDA ReConnect Program Opens on November 24th
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $1.15 billion available through the USDA’s ReConnect program.
On November 24th, the Department will begin taking applications for grants and loans to assist rural areas access high-speed internet.
To see if you qualify and to apply, click here.
Rental Assistance Resources
The pandemic has hit many individuals and families hard. Resources are available to help those struggling with rental payments and looming eviction notices.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (956) 682-5545 if you need assistance with any of these resources.
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Get Vaccinated To Protect Against the Delta Variant
South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta variant, we must be vigilant and do our part to protect ourselves, our families and community.
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine here.
Investing In America’s Communities Program
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the $3,000,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan to fund six collective programs:
Please Be Advised: Extreme Passport Delays. Apply Early!
Due to the ongoing pandemic, passport processing centers are experiencing delays in the renewal process. The U.S. State Department recommends renewing your passport at least six months before you plan to travel, and urgent day-of appointments are reserved only for life-and-death cases.
The State Department continues to onboard more staff to quickly process the influx of applications, but currently routine service can take up to 18 weeks and expedited service can take up to 12 weeks. Don’t wait to renew, apply early!
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More information can be found here.
Home Refinancing Options for Low-Income Families
On Sunday, June 6th, Fannie Mae made RefiNow available to single-family lenders in connection with the Federal Housing 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
For residents of the 15th District of Texas that need assistance paying for internet, I encourage you to utilize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit program. The Emergency Broadband Benefit 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.
Small Business Administration Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (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.
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
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