Congressman Gonzalez Calls on Congressional Leadership to Include Stimulus Payments in COVID-19 Relief Package

Press Release

Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to include stimulus payments in the next COVID-19 aid package. As it stands, Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has signaled that he is not in favor of this proposal.

The Congressman in the letter writes:

"As you continue to negotiate a coronavirus relief package, I write to you today on behalf of the constituents in the 15th District of Texas and urge you to include a direct stimulus payment for those suffering from the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Millions of Americans are without a job, others are struggling to pay their bills, put food on the table or buy prescription drugs. We owe it to them to come together and pass another round of Economic Impact Payments."

In his letter, the Congressman cites startling statistics that Hidalgo County represents only 3% of the state of Texas, but accounts for approximately 10% of COVID-related deaths. Additionally, the entire Rio Grande Valley, comprised of Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties, represents 4.75% of the state population and approximately 17% of COVID-related deaths in Texas.

The Washington Post recently reported that nearly 12 million renters will owe an average of $5,850 in back rent and utilities by January. Last month, 9 million renters said they were behind on rent, according to a Census Bureau survey.

The letter is available here and below:

Source