Para leer en español, haz clic aquí.

Dear [firstname],

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in El Paso and our country have been catastrophic and deeply painful. The pandemic has taken hundreds of thousands of lives and unleashed economic hardships our country was unprepared for. Millions of Americans are out of work and facing housing and food insecurity.

My colleagues in Congress and I have worked to pass COVID-19 relief packages to ensure unemployed El Pasoans are able to receive federal unemployment benefits, tenants are able to keep their homes, and families are able to keep food on their table. While our emergency COVID-19 relief packages have fallen far short of meaningfully addressing the disproportionate effects of the pandemic on communities like El Paso, the Biden administration introduced the American Rescue Plan to tackle the public health and economic crisis.

The American Rescue Plan would provide direct assistance to households by $1,400 per person and nutrition assistance to families struggling to get by. This legislative package would also expand access to affordable health care and reliable childcare, extend unemployment benefits, and help our country recover. Last week, the House and Senate passed budget resolutions to pave the way for the American Rescue Plan and we are working to advance this legislation. As soon as my House colleagues and I pass the American Rescue Plan, we will send it to the Senate for further action, and to President Biden to sign into law.

As a part of the American Rescue Plan, Democrats are working to secure a provision to gradually raise the federal minimum wage to increase $15 per hour by 2025. Through this provision, the minimum wage would increase to $9.50 an hour this year, then to $11 next year, $12.50 in 2023, $14 in 2024, and then $15 in 2025. The current $7.25 per hour minimum wage makes it nearly impossible for a worker to afford basic necessities and support their families – especially in the midst of a devastating pandemic.

El Paso’s poverty rate is one of the highest in Texas. Gradually increasing the minimum wage will not only benefit our workers but also allow our businesses to adjust to the increase. I support raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025 and would like to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to fill out my survey below.

The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, and this is not the time to let our guard down. We have to do our part and stay home unless we absolutely need to leave for an essential activity. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting ourselves, our family, and our community. 

New information about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan is coming out daily, please visit my resource page on my website for the latest updates, recommendations from the CDC, and a Frequently Asked Questions section to know the latest. Additionally, visit the sites below to stay up to date.

The CDC provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals, as well as Frequently Asked Questions available here. 

The City of El Paso has a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. The number is 915-21-COVID, or 915-212-6843.

If you need to get tested because you believe you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested. The City of El Paso also offers mobile testing centers throughout the city that are now open and are free of charge for any symptomatic or asymptomatic person. So, whether you are exhibiting symptoms or not, you can get tested! For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here. 

Currently, the City of El Paso is administering COVID-19 vaccines to El Pasoans who meet the 1A and 1B criteria. Phase 1A recipients include frontline healthcare workers and residents in long-term care facilities. Phase 1B recipients include people 65 years of age and older and people 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness or death from COVID-19. If you fall into one of these categories, you may now be able to receive a vaccine depending on supplies and can pre-register on their website, or by calling their COVID-19 hotline at 915-212-6843. Vaccines have also been distributed to other local providers and I encourage you to visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website to find a provider near you.

Lastly, please encourage your family and neighbors to subscribe to my newsletter, so I can provide them with timely updates. For news throughout the week, you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter at @RepEscobar.

The safety and well-being of you and your loved ones is of the utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office via email at Veronica.Escobar@mail.house.gov or by phone at 915-541-1400.

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress