NEWS FROM THE 15th DISTRICT

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. As your U.S. Representative for the 15th Congressional District of Texas, I wanted to update you on what I've been working on to make our community and even better place. 

Voted to Revoke Permanent Normal Trade with Russia and Belarus and Invoke Additional Sanctions 
On Thursday, March 17, I voted with my House colleagues to overwhelmingly pass H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act.  

This legislation is the next step in a series of acts to put pressure on Russia’s economy and weaken its military. It is imperative that we hold Russia and its allies accountable for the atrocities they’re committing against Ukraine. By halting trade and raising tariffs, we can diminish Putin’s income and hinder his sustained invasion. 

On Wednesday, March 17, I also voted to pass five bills out of the Financial Services Committee to suspend Ukraine’s debt obligation, crack down on Russian oligarchs for evading sanctions, deny Putin economic resources and access to financial markets, and isolate Russia from major financial and intergovernmental forums. The bills: H.R. 7080, the Nowhere to Oligarchs’ Assests Act, H.R. 7066, the Russia and Belarus Financial Sanctions Act, H.R. 7081, the Ukraine Comprehensive Debt Repayment Relief Act, H.R. 6891, the Russian Government Official Act, and H.R. 6889, the Russia Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act, will now head to the House floor for consideration. 

Read my press release here. 

Announced over $137 million in Title I Grants for the 15th District of Texas 
On Tuesday, March 22, I announced $137,168,487 in preliminary Title I funds for schools in the 15th District of Texas. Title I grants are allocated by the U.S. Department of Education. Finalized amounts are expected to be released in June 2022. This program is designed to help Local Education Agencies (LEA’s) and schools with high percentages of children from low-income families meet state academic standards and receive an equitable education. 

As Horace Mann once said, “education is the great equalizer.” The key to economic mobility, a strong workforce, and a good quality of life is education. We can lift kids and families out of poverty by ensuring their education prepares them to meet the challenges of our modern society. I am thankful to the U.S. Department of Education for continuing to uplift our schools, children, and teachers. 

Find the preliminary amounts for 15th District of Texas schools here and here. 

Announced $2.9 Million from the National Institutes of Health for UTRGV 
Deep South Texas has the highest rate of Alzheimer’s in the nation. Unfortunately, many of us know someone afflicted by this debilitating disease. 

On Wednesday, March 17, I announced a grant of $2.9 million from the National Institutes of Health for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. This funding will be used to focus on elderly Hispanic valley residents afflicted with Alzheimer’s in underserved communities. This research will study impacts, improvements to quality of life, and improvements to memory. 

Read my press release here. 

Announced $1.3 Million Grant to McAllen Public Utility  
On Monday, March 21, I announced a grant of $1,327,305 from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the McAllen Public Utility’s Reuse Water Enhancement Project. This grant is in conjunction with the WaterSMART project, focused on improving drought resiliency and preparedness.  

As we experience the effects of a changing climate, our region is subject to increased drought, effecting agriculture production and South Texas community. This funding will equip us to proactively prepare for future environmental events, upgrade our aging infrastructure, and keep our region running. 

Read my press release here. 

Participated in Select Committee on Economic Disparity Hearing 
On Wednesday, March 16, I participated in the Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth hearing to discuss how we can make starting, keeping and growing a small business more equitable. 

As a small business owner, I know that starting a small business is hard work for anyone, but especially for those in underserved communities. From applying to loans and grants, following state and local laws, and keeping the business open, we have the responsibility to make this process more inclusive and give a fair opportunity to all. I was honored to speak with our witnesses and work towards solutions to benefit our South Texas entrepreneurs. 
 
 
Reminders & Updates 

Reopening of U.S. Capitol and White House Tours 
Great news! On Monday, March 28, 2022, the U.S. Capitol will reopen for tours in a limited capacity and on Friday, April 15, 2022, the White House will begin conducting tours. 

Please be advised that White House tours fill up fast, and these requests need to be made at least 21 days in advance. My office recommends sending these requests as early as possible. The White House is the only entity with the authority to grant or deny White House tours, the office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez is only the venue for submitting the request. 

U.S. Capitol tours are reopened at a limited capacity and arrangements must be made through my office for the time being. 

We are excited to begin welcoming South Texans back to Washington, D.C.! Please fill out the tour request form on my website here. 

Now Accepting Appropriations Requests 
My office is now accepting appropriations requests for Fiscal Year 2023. Please submit your request here. 

For any questions regarding this process please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2531. 

Social Security Office Expanding In-person Appointments  
In early-April the U.S. Social Security Administration will add in-person appointments and in person services for those without an appointment.

 
The Social Security Administration is recommending virtual appointments, if possible, in order to allow timely service for those who do not have that option. 

• The best ways to get help from Social Security.
• What you should know before you visit a Social Security office, so they can help you safely.
• Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision. 

 
Low-No Grant Program and Bus Grants Program Now Available to Apply  
On Monday, March 7, the Biden Administration announced the availability of $1.47 billion in competitive grant funds for the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Grant Program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program. These grants are designed to help modernize bus fleets across the country.  
 
Find out if you’re eligible here and here.  
 
The deadline to apply is May 31, 2022, at 10:59 P.M. CST / 11:59 P.M. EST.  
 
All proposal must be submitted electronically. To apply go to Grants.gov and input in the search bar: funding opportunity FTA 2022-001-TPM-LWNO for Low-No and FTA 2022-002-TPM-BUSC for Buses and Bus Facilities.  
   
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) launch New Online Service for Noncitizen Service Members, Veterans, and their Families    
The Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense launched two new resources to support noncitizen service members, veterans, and their families. This program is through the Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative (IMMVI) and will host an online center through the DHS to consolidate federal resources.    
   
The online center will include a portal for veterans who need assistance in applying to return to the United States or accessing VA benefits that they are entitled to. It will also provide previously removed veterans a simple a fast way to get in contact with the appropriate department for assistance or to answer questions.    
   
You can access the website here.    
    
Tax Filing Season is Here!     
The 2021 tax filing season began on Monday, January 24, 2022, and ends on Monday, April 18, 2022. Here is a 5-point checklist from the IRS for a speedy process and refund delivery:      

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.      

All of these free resources and more can be found on the IRS website. For more information on where to find a VITA program provider near you, please visit the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) website.     
    
       
USDA Reconnect Program Still Open!    
      
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $1.15 billion available through the USDA’s ReConnect program.         
       
On November 24, 2021, the Department began taking applications for grants and loans to assist rural areas access high-speed internet.         
       
To see if you qualify and to apply, click here.         
    
                
Texas Homeowners Assistance Fund     
 
The application portal for the Texas Homeowners Assistance Fund is now open for homeowners who live in Hidalgo County or whose mortgage is serviced by HomeLoanServ.      
     
This financial assistance program is designed to support those who have fallen behind on their mortgage and related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), this program is operating in its pilot phase for Hidalgo County residents.      
     
Learn more and apply here.      
     
       
Get Vaccinated to Protect Against COVID-19   
       
South Texas has led the country in vaccinations, but we’re not out of the woods yet. With the spread of the Delta and Omicron variants, we must be vigilant and do our part to protect ourselves, our families and community.                
              
Find locations to get your COVID-19 vaccine and booster here.                
       
Investing In America’s Communities Program   
             
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is investing the, $3 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund six collective programs, three of which are still open:  

• 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.                       
       
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.     
   
   
   
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Vicente Gonzalez
  Member of Congress