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Dear [firstname],

I hope this email finds you and your family healthy and well. The number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues to increase at an alarming rate, and we have lost 150 El Pasoans to the virus. These uncertain times come with health, mental, and financial challenges and I want you to know that I am here to help El Pasoans obtain the resources they need.

Unfortunately, my office has been flooded with calls from constituents who lost their jobs and have had problems accessing the unemployment insurance benefits they so desperately need. Last month, I sent out a community survey to gather more information about the issues El Pasoans have encountered while trying to access benefits that are meant to help them during this health and economic crisis.

The online survey asked El Pasoans that have been terminated, laid off, furloughed, or otherwise separated from their employer due to the COVID-19 pandemic to rate their experience with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) unemployment application process and to provide feedback on any problems they encountered. Five-hundred and ninety-one El Pasoans responded to the survey. To read the report, click here.

Findings of the survey include:

• 51.5% of respondents rated their experience with TWC as either “very unsatisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.” 
• 54.9% of respondents have not yet received unemployment assistance, either due to problems with the application or delays in receiving benefits. 
• 46% of respondents reported having to call or use the online portal more than 10 times to receive the answers they were looking for.
• 40.3% of respondents said it took a few weeks after the completion of their application to receive a check, while an additional 39.4% said it took more than a month. 
• 1.4% of respondents said they encountered no problems during the application process, while 29.1% of respondents reported two or more significant roadblocks in applying for and receiving unemployment assistance. 

These survey results are deeply alarming and expose the TWC’s inability to provide answers and reassurance during these challenging times. Texans deserve to have an agency that meets their needs and I am calling on Governor Abbott to put forward an aggressive improvement plan so El Pasoans can get the help they need and deserve during this pandemic. Read my letter to Governor Abbott here.

Testing and Additional Resources

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.

Because new information about COVID-19 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. 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 is offering a hotline for residents to call for more information regarding COVID-19. 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 because you have 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! To make an appointment, visit TXCOVIDTest.org or call 512-883-2400. For more information on locations and operating hours, please click here.

The Texas Department of State Health Services provides updates on the disease's spread within the state.

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.

Sincerely,

Veronica Escobar
Member of Congress