Congresswoman Lesko Weekly Update

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone had a wonderful week in our great State of Arizona! It is an honor to continue to represent you in Congress. I also hope everyone had a wonderful Veterans Day! Our veterans have selflessly served our great nation, and it is important to honor and remember the sacrifices they have made to keep us safe and defend our freedoms.

Lesko Stands Up for Veterans

I cosponsored Rep. Jake Ellzey’s (R-TX-06) GUARD VA Benefits Act, bipartisan legislation to reinstate criminal penalties for anyone who charges unauthorized fees while assisting veterans with filing a claim for VA disability compensation benefits. These are benefits our heroic veterans have rightfully earned. It is unacceptable that people have been taking advantage of veterans by claiming they can help them access their benefits. I am pleased to join my colleagues on this important legislation to protect our veterans and their families.

Lesko Stands Up for Parental Choice Against Vaccine Mandates

I joined Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI-10) in requesting answers from President Biden regarding the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ decision to add COVID-19 vaccines to the recommended schedule for children. Such a far-reaching decision emboldens states to require that children who attend public schools receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Parents, not the government, should decide if their kids receive the vaccine, and children should not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine to attend school.

GET THE FACTS: President Biden's Thanksgiving Tax

Last year was the most expensive Thanksgiving in the history of the holiday, and the cost of the annual Thanksgiving feast is expected to surge even higher this year. Already, the cost of nearly every single item at the grocery store has only gone up due to President Biden and the Democrats’ failed spending policies. Turkey prices alone are projected to rise as high as 23%. Currently, the price of uncooked poultry including turkey is up 16.9%, the price of eggs is up 43%, the price of butter is up 26.7%, the price of flour is up 24.6%, and the price of bakery products is up 15.5%. Fruits and vegetables have had the lowest price increase, which is still up 9.3%. Families in Arizona and across our nation are already facing a record cost of living crisis under Democrats' failed leadership, and now this crisis is set to get even worse just in time for the holiday season.

Around the District

Michael from our office attended the Marine Corps League White Tank Mountain Detachment 1246’s celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 247^th birthday, which included the cutting of the cake, a tradition at U.S. Marine Corps birthday celebrations!

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to West-MEC Alliance, a foundation focused on helping cover costs so that students can complete their career and technical education. Thank you for helping Arizonans achieve success!

Michael from our office attended the Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade in Anthem, AZ. It is wonderful to see so many Arizonans coming out to support our veterans!

Monica from our office attended a community partnership breakfast hosted by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce and officials from Goodyear, AZ to learn more about the American Diabetes Association and how patients manage diabetes.

Austin from our office presented the Rotary Club of Sun City West with a Congressional Recognition to honor all of the wonderful work they are doing for residents of the Sun City West, AZ community!

Michael from our office attended the Cars and Coffee event in Anthem, AZ where Youth for Troops set up a tent so that Arizonans could decorate shipping boxes that will be used to ship items to service members deployed around the world!

Monica from our office attended the grand reopening of Credit Union West’s Luke Air Force Base branch, which has recently been renovated and expanded! Congratulations!

Michael and Austin from our office presented Paul Smiley with a Congressional Recognition! He is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and is the founder and president of Sonoran Technology and Professional Services!

Monica from our office presented a Congressional Recognition to Assistance in Healthcare in Goodyear, AZ for helping cancer patients cover the cost of bills such as mortgages, rent, utilities, childcare, and more. We are so grateful for your contributions to the people of Arizona's Eighth Congressional District!

Casework Highlight

A constituent received a notice from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Administration for unpaid medical bills. Our office reached out to the VA and requested that they review the bill. Shortly after our inquiry, the VA contacted the constituent, notified him that they had issued the bill in error, and the constituent did not owe the VA any money.

Encouraging Story

I want to share this story about how members of the Honorary Sun City Agua Fria Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter honored six Vietnam War era veterans. The veterans were presented with commemorative pins for serving in the U.S. military between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, anywhere in the world. We must continue to honor and recognize our heroic veterans and the sacrifices they have made in service to our great nation.

Mobile Office Hours

Our office is hosting Mobile Office Hours on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Glendale Foothills Library in Glendale, AZ from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM AZ Time. Our casework team is ready to answer your questions and assist you with federal agencies.

We are Here to Help

As always, my office is here to help. My Surprise district office is open and serving constituents. To make an appointment with the office, please call 623-776-7911.

My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls. Please feel free to contact us via phone at 202-225-4576 or via email by going to my website at https://lesko.house.gov/contact/.

I encourage you to visit the website and to also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Parler, Gettr, and Truth Social, and like my Facebook page for up to date information on what I'm doing and how my office can help you.

May God continue to bless you and our great Nation.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko