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Lower Costs

I know that people are struggling as we are battling inflation and rising costs. See resources below to find relief for student loans, food and clothing, gas, utilities, tax relief, and health care. You can also find below how we are working to lower costs.

Student Debt Relief

Resources for El Pasoans

Actions to Lower Costs

Resources for El Pasoans


GAS AND TRANSPORTATION

We are all feeling the effects of higher gas prices in our wallets. I voted in favor of H.R. 7688, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act to empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack down on oil companies that overcharge their consumers for gas just to boost their profits.

  • Check out our ridesharing Vamonos Vanpool for a smarter way to commute and sponsored by El Paso County.

 

HOUSING

The American Rescue Plan law that I voted for is providing assistance to help renters in El Paso. If you need assistance on your mortgage or rent or are experiencing homelessness, please apply for help.

Homeowners:

Renters:

  • EP Rent Help helps you find rental assistance programs in your area.
  • The City of El Paso also connects El Pasoans to rental assistance programs.

Homeless:

  • The City of El Paso also connects El Pasoans who are experiencing homelessness.

 

UTILITIES AND BILLS

Bills can add up quickly. Below are some resources that can help you lower costs and save some money.

  • Home Energy Saver lets you know if you are paying more than you should be in your energy bills.
  • Consumer Finance is a great tool to find answers to your money questions. (Ex: credit card mystery fees, mistakes on your bill, or tips on what you can do to get better at budgeting for your future goals).
  • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)may be able to help with assistance to pay your heating or cooling bills, emergency services in cases of energy crisis, such as utility shutoffs, and low-cost home improvements, known as weatherization, that make your home more energy efficient and lower your utility bills.
  • Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. It helps individuals and families who have a low income get discounted landline or cell phone service. Some people also qualify for a free phone.

 

FOOD AND CLOTHING RELIEF

People having trouble accessing nutritious food can use the following resources:

  • USA.Gov helps you find more food assistance programs.
  • Shop Simple with MyPlate is run by the Department of Agriculture to help people find healthy food choices on a budget.
  • The annual School Uniform Swap helps Horizon City residents exchange gently-used school uniforms for children.

 

TAX RELIEF

I voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan law that has cut taxes for middle and working-class families with children through the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Many families received monthly payments in 2021. Below are some resources if you did not receive your tax credit.

  • Check if you are eligible for the 2021 Child Tax Credit.
  • If you are eligible for the CTC, here are resources to file and claim the credit.
  • Find where you can get assistance to file your taxes in El Paso.

 

HEALTHCARE

We cannot ignore our health care. The American Rescue Plan expanded tax cuts to lower health care premiums for people who buy their own insurance. Your household may be able to save an average of $3,800 a year in premiums.

  • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has important information about new federal regulations to protect people from surprise billing. You are also able to submit complaints about a medical billing experience you had.

 

HELP FOR VETERANS

Veterans I meet with in El Paso inspire me everyday for their commitment and sacrifice to our country.

  • My office is here to help with veterans who are having issues with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
  • Check out the resources that the City of El Paso has to connect veterans with assistance.

 

HELP FOR SENIORS

House Democrats passed, H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, transformative legislation for our health care system by lowering prescription drug prices and expanding Medicare benefits.

Actions to Lower Costs


House Democrats are working everyday to address the raising costs of goods of gas, groceries, health care, strengthen our supply chains, and create higher paying jobs. We are committed to rebuilding our economy after the COVID-19 pandemic devastated our economy. Here is a list of bills that I along with my Democratic colleagues have passed the House of Representatives.

GAS, GROCERIES, TAXES

H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act (formerly the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022): a bill to strengthen American food supply chains, lower prices for farmers, and tackle rising gas prices.

H.R. 7688, the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act: a bill to empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack down on oil companies that overcharge their consumers for gas just to boost their profits.

H.R. 7790, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act: a bill to provide $28 million in emergency funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to get resources to address the urgent infant formula shortage.

H.R. 7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022: a bill signed into law to help families who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) receive safe baby formula amid the shortage.

H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan: the law expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2021 to put extra money in people’s pockets.

 

HEALTHCARE COSTS

H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act: the bill would allow Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies for the best price. The bill would create a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries.

H.R.1319, the American Rescue Plan: the law lowered health care premiums for people who pay for their health insurance. Households may be able to save an average of $3,800 a year in premiums.

 

SUPPLY CHAINS

I am proud to be a Member of the America COMPETES Act Conference Committee. The Committee is a bipartisan and bicameral committee that will bring a final version of the bill to the President’s desk to strengthen our supply chains and advance our global competitiveness.

H.R. 4521, the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021: the bill would strengthen our country’s supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. It will also invest in scientific research and innovation to reduce carbon dioxide emission. The bill also includes some provisions of technology at out ports of entry to promote safe and efficient travel and trade.

H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act: the bill would require ocean carriers to have minimum service standards that meet the public interest, as well as prohibiting them from unreasonably declining opportunities for U.S. exports. It is a step to strong trade regulations to ensure our competitiveness.

 

HIGHER PAYING JOBS

H.R. 3807, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act of 2021: the bill would provide $60 billion in funding to replenish the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Restaurant Revitalization Fund to support restaurants hardest-hit from the COVID-19 pandemic.

H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: a law that is a once-in-a-lifetime investment in our country’s infrastructure. The law is rebuilding the country’s roads, expanding clean water, creating reliable access to broadband internet, and investing in our communities.

H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan: the law helped rebuild our economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is investing in climate and clean infrastructure, boosting our competitiveness, and creating good-paying union jobs.

 

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