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Dear [firstname],

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. This week in El Paso, I had the opportunity to meet with constituents and host several (mostly virtual) community events and meetings.

I want to share some updates with you on what I have been working on this week and the needs and concerns I heard from fellow El Pasoans during these unprecedented times, but first, I want to invite you to my upcoming town hall.

Climate Action Virtual Town Hall 

Join me for my Climate Action Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 5 p.m. MT.

I’ll share with the community the work Congress is doing to address the climate crisis and will be joined by environmental experts to discuss the ways El Pasoans can act now on the climate crisis.

Guests:

  • Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16)
  • Dr. Craig E. Tweedie, Director of the Environmental Science and Engineering Program at UTEP
  • Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas
  • Tom Linney, Board Member of the Veg Society of El Paso
  • Jonathan Macias, Board Member of Eco El Paso
  • Sarah Elena Dillabough, Sustainability Specialist at Creosote Collaborative

This town hall is free and open to the public. El Pasoans can join this important conversation on Facebook Live. For more information and to submit a question, click here.

The Americans with Disabilities Act: 30 Years of Progress in Access and Inclusion

Congresswoman Escobar Meeting with Disability Right’s Activists

Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.

On Wednesday, in conjunction with the Volar Center for Independent Living, I held a conversation with disability rights leaders and experts to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ADA.

We discussed the importance of building on the ADA to combat discrimination and achieve true progress in access and inclusion.

You can watch this important conversation here.

 Promoting El Paso’s Economic Development and a Stronger National Security
Congresswoman Escobar and Col. Magsig Visiting UTEP Engineering Department

Earlier this week, I met with Fort Bliss’ Joint Modernization Command Commander Colonel Tobin A. Magsig and leaders from the Engineering Department at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

I invited Colonel Magsig to learn more about my alma mater’s innovative research and future capabilities. I look forward to continuing to work with UTEP and our military to showcase El Paso’s innovation and talent and ensure the mutual success of our local economy and our national security.

 El Paso Parent-Teacher Association Virtual Roundtable
Congresswoman Escobar Meeting with PTA Leaders from El Paso

On Wednesday, I held a virtual roundtable with the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) leaders from school districts in El Paso. I listened to their experiences and concerns surrounding distance learning and the burdens, frustrations, and anxiety children, families, and teachers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I recognize these times are challenging for everyone, including young children whose lives were turned upside down and now have to interact with their teachers and classmates virtually. I'm committed to putting our families first and will continue fighting for federal relief for schools to ensure quality education while keeping our loved ones safe.

Protecting the Men and Women Who Bravely
Serve our Country
 

Congresswoman Escobar Meeting with U.S. Army Secretary McCarthy

On Thursday, my colleagues from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and I met with U.S. Army Secretary McCarthy to discuss efforts to bring justice for Vanessa Guillen and all soldiers and prevent other tragedies from happening.

We have a commitment and responsibility to protect the men and women who bravely serve our country. I’ll continue to do everything possible to ensure our servicemembers are safe from sexual assault and violence in our military.

Fighting for our Workers’ Rights

Happy Labor Day, El Paso! This Labor Day weekend, let’s remember and honor all who have fought for workers’ rights. Thank you to all of our hard-working El Pasoans who dedicate their time and skills to provide for their families, the local economy, and our community.

Unfortunately, many workplaces have experienced deadly COVID-19 outbreaks. As these unprecedented times have shown, we must strengthen workers’ rights to bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. Our workers shouldn’t be forced to choose between their health and paycheck.

 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 has 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 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! 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

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