Community concerns are many: health, rent, COVID-19 tests and more financial support
Congresswoman Nanette Barragán revealed that Democrats are pushing hard for a second economic stimulus package to be approved that includes a monthly aid of $ 1,500 per adult, while the coronavirus crisis lasts, and those who declare taxes with their Number of Personal Identification (ITIN).
"The $ 1,200 per taxpayer was not enough for Los Angeles, even to cover the rent and help people who live check after check. We tried to negotiate 1,500 dollars, but we did not succeed. Republicans in Congress just wanted to give $ 600, ”he said.
And added that it is "unfair that those who file their tax return with the ITIN have been left out."
However, he said they are working for a second package that includes more payments, more tests for the pandemic, and supports for care and access to health.
It was at the end of March, when the The largest rescue package in US history for 2.2 trillion dollars to counteract the economic impact caused by the coronavirus in the country.
Health and business
The congresswoman pointed out that one of the great pressures is focused on giving more financial support to community clinics because they are the ones that help the low-income.
But they will also seek to provide financing to small businesses, whose owners are usually minority, and Support the local media that is best positioned to communicate COVID-19 updates to vulnerable populations, who are often not fluent in English.
"We understand them because they provide critical information to minorities throughout the country, which are not provided by the mainstream media."
He emphasized that the Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and African American caucuses wrote a letter to the leadership in the Senate and Congress to include funding for local and ethnic media in a second economic stimulus.
He summarized that they want to protect safety and the public so that they stay at home and stay healthy.
"The COVID-19 crisis affects us all, but it is the latest disease that infects and kills Latinos and African Americans at higher rates than the rest of the population."
He added that he has seen this in the communities in his district, especially among low-income people who do not have access to the services they need.
In communication
To take advantage of the fact that everyone is at home, she observed that she has maintained communication with the people of her district, through telephone community meetings held at different times, morning, noon and afternoon.
“How they work is that we telephone 100,000 people in the district. We have managed to connect with up to 1,500 Hispanics, and we have Spanish interpreters. ”
It also sends out newsletters three times a week with the latest notices, related to the pandemic.
In those telephone community meetings, the congresswoman explained that people ask them, dwhere can they test for coronavirus; ask for information on unemployment; they want to know if the economic stimulus check is going to be available to those who declare taxes with the Personal Identification Number (ITIN); They need information about parking tickets, and what kind of help is there for the undocumented.
“There is a lot of concern about access to health. Many Latinos and African Americans have asthma and diabetes, and are afraid of dying if the coronavirus hits them.", said.
Also, he added that they think that if they receive health services they will be considered a public charge.
"They fear they won't be able to pay the rent, and they wonder what they are going to do."
He commented that every day there is something new to fear, but made it clear that "we must maintain the hope that we are going to get out of the pandemic."
Congresswoman Barragán revealed that during these weeks of recess in Congress, due to the coronavirus, she has spent time taking care at night of her 79-year-old mother who suffers from Alzheimer's.
Congressional District 44 comprises communities in southern Los Angeles such as Carson, Compton, Lynwood, northern Long Beach, San Pedro, South Gate, Watts, Walnut Park, Wilmington, and Rancho Domínguez.
