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. 

Introduced a Bill to Forgive $25k in Student Loan Debt 
Obtaining a quality education shouldn’t break the bank but for many, the only way to attain an advanced degree is to take out loans. I graduated from law school with a pile of debt. Recent graduates are entering a workforce impacted by decades of stagnated wages while also dealing with the financial burden of an increasingly expensive education. 

On Monday, February 14, 2022, I proudly introduced H.R. 6708, the Student Loan Relief Bill, which would direct the U.S. Secretary of Education to forgive up to $25,000 in student loan debt for federal borrowers. 

This legislation will help our students, improve economic opportunity, and provide tools for a better future.  

 
Read my press release here. 

Introduced Legislation to Create Affordable Housing for our Veterans 

Over 37,000 of our nation’s veterans experience homelessness each year. We cannot allow those who chose to serve and protect our country fall through the cracks and not receive the support they need through the VA.

On Thursday, February 22, I introduced H.R. 6810, the Housing Our Veterans Act, which would direct the Comptroller of the United States to report on the availability of affordable housing for veterans who have or are participating in any program administered by the Homeless Programs Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

This bill will be part of a larger package of bills designed to support our service members and raise the standard of living for our veterans once they return to civilian life. 

Read my press release here. 

Hosted Economic Development Administration Officials in South Texas 
On Tuesday, February 22, Representative Filemon Vela and I welcomed Economic Development Administration (EDA) officials, Assistant Secretary Alejandra Castillo and Regional Director Jorge Ayala to South Texas.  

During their visit we discussed the economic opportunities throughout our region supported by the EDA’s investments. We first stopped at Laguna Vista, to attend their ecotourism opening. South Texas is home to a unique environment, and I am proud to highlight projects that showcase the beauty of our community. 

Next, we visited the Casa del Nylon/eBridge project, a center exclusively focused on providing resources and support for both new and established entrepreneurs. These resources will help expand economic opportunities throughout South Texas and support our small businesses.  

To end the day, we toured the Space X facility, the first commercial space launch in the United States. Thanks to a $1.2 million EDA grant, it launched a partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Center for Advanced Radio Astronomy (CARA) in Brownsville to create the Spacecraft Tracking and Astronomical Research into Gigahertz Astrophysical Transient Emission (STARGATE) which is currently in use at Space X. I am thankful to the EDA and Congressman Vela for their work. 
 
(add pictures/videos when available) 

Presented Weslaco ISD with Funding from the American Rescue Plan 
On Tuesday, February 15, I presented Weslaco Independent School District (ISD) with $63,226,351 from the American Rescue Plan Act.  This funding will equip our schools to continue providing testing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and technology to combat the detrimental effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our schools, students, and faculty. I’m proud to see the funding I helped secure directly support our schools here in South Texas. 
 

Presented the City of Edcouch with Funding from the American Rescue Plan 
On Tuesday, February 16, I presented the City of Edcouch with $820,914.85 from the American Rescue Plan Act. This investment into our local communities will help support and expand community services such COVID-19 testing, vaccinations clinics, telehealth services, and command centers for rescue departments. As we continue recovering from the pandemic, we must ensure that our cities have every resource to protect its residents and provide quality services 
 

Toured the Military Highway Water Supply Corporation 
Last week, I toured the Military Highway Water Supply Corporation to view progress on updates to their facility thanks to over $700,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act. I’m excited to see work begin and shovels in the ground as we expand our facilities to meet the needs of our region. 
 

Reimbursing Agricultural Producers For Migration-Related Property Damage Through the USDA Environmental Quality Incentive Program 
Last year, I co-introduced H.R. 4896, Reimbursing Agricultural Producers for Immigration Damages Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that would reimburse farmers and ranchers for damages incurred on their property due to increased irregular migration on the southern border. It is vital that we help our landowners recoup these costs and address the root causes of migration. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that they will offer financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Border Restoration Initiative, for farmers and ranchers who require financial assistance for damaged property along the southern border.  

Qualified producers can use these funds to implement eligible practices including fencing, watering facility, range planting, livestock pipeline, and more. To apply for EQIP assistance, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. 

1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays   
2. For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate   
3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS   
4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processes? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return   
5. Free resources are available to help taxpayers file.    

• Indigenous Communities     
• Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation       
• Statewide Planning, Research and Networks      

• 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.                
      
Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program              
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Affordable Connectivity Program as a permanent installation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program established to provide a temporary discount on monthly broadband (high-speed internet) bills for qualifying low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic.      
   
Those fully enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit by December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their monthly benefit until March 1, 2022.    
   
To re-enroll in this program, find if your eligible, or 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.   

*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