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Dear Friends,
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This past week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to vote for the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. Our front line workers, small businesses and hard working families are seeking urgent relief during this pandemic. As your Congressman, I chose to help pass a $3 trillion package that will continue addressing both the health and economic needs of those impacted by COVID-19.
Throughout the week, I had various briefings, calls and teleconferences with elected officials, organizations and government agencies - to not only give coronavirus updates, but receive the most up to date information.
As the state continues to loosen restrictions and allowing for a phased reopening, remember to stay safe by wearing face coverings, continue to practice social distancing, and implement clean hygiene in your daily routines.
I am committed to keeping you informed throughout this pandemic and will continue working to ensure our district receives the necessary federal resources to combat this virus. I urge you to visit my website and social media pages, @repcuellar, to stay informed with the latest news.
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| Rep. Cuellar and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) |
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On Friday, May 15, I was joined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to discuss COVID-19 federal emergency relief funding for local governments throughout my district. I'd like to thank TDEM's Deputy Chief Savannah Jones and Section Chief Blair Walsh for being apart of this teleconference and sharing valuable insight for our local officials. Pictured is Rep. Cuellar. To watch the live stream, click here. |
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Reps. Cuellar, Hurd Urge International Coordination to Continue Strong U.S.-Mexico Trade Relationship
I, along with Representative Will Hurd, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mexico's Foreign Secretary Marcel Ebrard, calling for a coordinated definition of "essential" in order for businesses in both countries to have the same guidelines. My goal is to provide businesses with clarity and ensure cross-border trade and international supply chains can continue to move properly.
To read the letter, click here.
Members of Texas Congressional Delegation Call on Gov. Abbott to Freeze Property Taxes
Texas families and small businesses are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By freezing property taxes this year, we can ease costs for constituents while reserving resources for our frontline services. This is why I joined other members of Congress from the Texas delegation in addressing these issues to Governor Abbott.
Congress Passes the Heroes Act
I traveled to Washington DC this past week to vote for the Heroes Act. This $3 trillion piece of legislation passed the House, which brings us one step closer to providing funds for our frontline services, small businesses, and working families. The Heroes Act includes hazard pay for essential workers, monies for testing, treating and tracing, funds to support small businesses, as well as putting money back in the pockets of workers. For more details on the Heroes Act, click here.
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Check My Refund Status
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My office has received many calls from constituents inquiring about their tax returns. If you have questions about the status of your refund, you can utilize the IRS' web page to find out when you can expect to receive your check. In order to do so, you will need a few things: your social security number or ITIN, your filing status, and your exact refund amount. To check your status, click here.
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Coronavirus Resource Handbook
My office's COVID-19 Resource Handbook provides an extremely helpful list of tools and services for all those in the district. We are constantly updating the information in our handbook and you can regularly check my website for the newest edition. This wide-ranging economic rescue package provides rapid and meaningful assistance for individuals, businesses, and first responders.
Sections include: unemployment, direct payments, food assistance, homeowners and protection programs, and more. If you have any questions about the topics listed on the handbook, please contact my offices for assistance. To view the English handbook, click here. To view the Spanish handbook, click here.
Don't Forget About the 2020 Census!
As of May 18, our district currently has a response rate of 44.5%. Although we are slowly improving our district rates, we're still trailing behind the state's average rate of 54.2%. Let's improve these numbers and make sure every, man, woman, and child living in TX-28 is properly accounted for. You can complete the census form online, by clicking here. If you want to complete it by phone, call: 1-844-330-2020. Or, you can respond through mail, once you receive the paper form.
| This Week's Grant Newsletter |
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Don't miss out on a grant opportunity! Attracting more federal funds to the district and region has been a top priority during my tenure in Congress. In an effort to better serve you, I want to provide you with information on a variety of open federal grant opportunities in each week's newsletter. To see this week's edition, click here. If you'd like to subscribe to the weekly grants newsletter, please fill out our google doc form.
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U.S. Census Bureau: Video Guide to Completing the 2020 Census Online
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Every 10 years, our nation conducts the US Census. By counting each individual who is residing in our country, we are able to shape our communities for the next decade.
This video from the US Census Bureau, will walk you step-by-step on how to complete and submit your census online. Due to COVID-19, the Census Bureau has had to alter their field operations; this is the perfect way to fulfill your civic duty, while still practicing social distancing!
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| LATEST NEWS |
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5/15, Texas Tribune: Trump administration waives environmental safeguards to fast-track 69 miles of border fence construction
5/14, Border Report: Texas congressmen question hold-up on relief funding for smaller border towns.
5/14, Texas Border Business: Congressman Gonzalez and Members of Texas Democratic Delegation Call on Gov. Abbott to Suspend Raising Property Evaluations
5/13, Border Report: Texas, Mexican lawmakers Zoom to discuss how to best reopen borders
5/13, mySA: Rio Grande International Study Center receives $100k in funding
5/13, Texas Insider: Reps. Cuellar, Hurd Urge International Coordination to Continue Strong U.S.-Mexico
5/13, Laredo Morning Times: TAMIU and LC to receive additional funding from CARES Act
5/12, WOAI: More than $3 million in federal funds issued to aid low income residents in San Antonio
5/11, The Texan: Border Wall Contract Awarded for 14-Mile Section Near Laredo
5/6, Progress Times: UTRGV, STC receives $3.6M in COVID-19 relief
5/5, San Antonio Business Journal: StandardAero awarded massive Air Force contract for jet maintenance
5/4, KVEO: Congressman Cuellar announces Federal Funds for Mission Housing Authority
5/2, KVEO: Congressman Cuellar announces Federal Funds to La Joya Housing Authority
5/1, Pleasanton Express: Pleasanton to hold two critical funding webinars
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