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Dear Neighbor,
I hope you are having a good Labor Day weekend. Tomorrow, we celebrate Labor Day, a day to recognize the contributions American workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It is also a day to celebrate the effort of those who work to improve the quality of life for others by working for policies and protections that benefit all workers.
The traditional end of summer, Labor Day is also an important time with family and friends. This year, we must all remember to be careful – while increases in coronavirus cases are trending down, Harris County is still at its highest COVID-19 threat level. Continue following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask. As we look forward to fall, I am glad to share this week’s look-back with you.
I began the week with a telephone town hall on Monday, where I provided an update on my work and heard from constituents about their questions and concerns. I was grateful for the insightful questions our neighbors asked, and I look forward to the next opportunity to speak with you!
Later in the week, I hosted a roundtable with restaurant owners in the district to talk about the challenges they continue to face during the pandemic. COVID-19 has affected all sectors of our economy, and it has had a unique impact on the restaurant industry. In Congress, I am a co-sponsor of the RESTAURANTS Act, a bill to support independent restaurants through the establishment of a new grant fund, and I was glad to discuss with what more can be done.
I also got to visit with several individuals and groups about their concerns and possible legislative solutions – from caring for those with Alzheimer’s to keeping our neighbors safe. One highlight was meeting virtually with UNICEF Houston volunteers – their passion for helping children around the world is inspiring!
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This week, I renewed my call for the Senate to vote on the HELP Act in an op-ed published by The Hill. I hope you will take the time to read it. The HELP Act was the first original bill I wrote when I joined Congress – developed out of my conversations with officials in Houston, Harris County, and Harris County Flood Control District about the real impediments to disaster recovery we faced after Harvey. It passed the House of Representatives last year with overwhelming, bipartisan support and it has been introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan group of Senators, including both of our Texas Senators. With our neighbors to the east beginning their recovery efforts from Hurricane Laura, there is no time to waste. The Senate must pass the bill immediately and get Gulf Coast communities the HELP they need now. You can read my op-ed here.
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Coronavirus cases are trending down, but Harris County is still at its highest COVID-19 threat level. The virus is still persistent in our community, and Harris County continues to have the highest number of reported cases in our state. There have been more than 110,000 confirmed cases in our county, with an estimated 13,364 current active cases and more than 1,400 individuals who have passed away from the virus in our community. You can find the most up-to-date information for Houston & Harris County and Texas through these links.
With less than a month left to complete the Census, only 62 percent of our district has filled out this important count. It’s critical that we talk to everyone you know—and event people you don’t—and urge them to fill out the Census as soon as possible.
With the count potentially ending early, resources needed for our district—and everywhere—could be limited and disproportionate. Here’s the link: https://my2020census.gov, and you can also call 844-330-2020.
Our constituent services team is working around the clock to make sure our neighbors can get the help they need with federal agencies. When the pandemic began, U.S. passport offices closed. Mark Thiessen reached out to my office because during this time, his passport had expired and he needed it renewed for an upcoming trip. Our office was more than happy to work with the passport agency to get his passport expedited right on time!
If you’re dealing with a federal agency and need assistance, we are happy to help! Don't hesitate to contact us at (713) 353-8680. That’s what we are here for! You are always welcome to share your thoughts and concerns by giving us a call or sending us an email here. I am proud to represent you, and I am here to help you. At this important and challenging time, I hope you will let me know how I can.
Best wishes,
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