Dear Friends, 

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! This month we celebrate the herencia, historia, cultura, and accomplishments of our comunidad. Our diversity makes us stronger.

Working for New Mexico

It was an honor to host a roundtable with downwinders from our communities. These families have suffered generational health issues from radiation exposure as far back as the first nuclear tests. I am committed to fighting for their health care.

I toured the New Mexico Military Institute and met with President and Superintendent Major General Jerry Grizzle. I also got the opportunity to speak to some amazing cadets! Since 1891, NMMI has trained future leaders, and 95% of its graduates complete college degrees. 

Legislative Corner

Yesterday, I proudly introduced the Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act with Senator Luján and Representative Jahana Hayes! This bill helps address educator shortages across the country and increases children's access to a diverse and well-prepared educator workforce.

More specifically, the bill updates the Teacher Loan Forgiveness program by having the federal government make the monthly federal student loan payments for educators serving in early childhood education programs and high-need public schools and completely forgive any outstanding debt after five years of service.

Some of the bills that I recently voted for, and the House passed, include: 

• H.R. 1066, the Wildfire Recovery Act, to make sure that communities impacted by wildfires have the resources they need for recovery. 
• H.R. 7846, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act, to increase the compensation rate for veterans with service-connected disabilities and for surviving children and spouses of veterans and service members who died in the line of duty.
• H.R. 5774, the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act, to improve federal disaster assistance for disaster survivors. 

Constituent Services

Extended FEMA Wildfire Assistance Deadline

Individuals can now apply for help until October 7, 2022. Local governments and nonprofits can apply until October 3, 2022, at https://disasterassistance.gov.

Intern in my office! - Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Las Vegas

If you're  looking to get involved with public service, we're looking for interns to serve in our New Mexico office through the end of the year!

You can learn more or apply at https://fernandez.house.gov/services/internships. 

Follow me on Twitter @RepTeresaLF!