Economy

Worker

Today, there is a shamefully large gap between the rich and the poor in America. Working families should not have to live in poverty in a country of our wealth. Congresswoman Velázquez is focused on fostering principled investments that will eliminate the technological divide that exists and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities.

The Congresswoman strongly supports efforts to establish a living wage, strengthening one of America’s most important anti-poverty measures—the Earned Income Tax Credit—and providing workers with the leverage they need to negotiate fair wages, health insurance and safe workplace conditions. These programs will help to improve the lives of all laborers in the 7th District and their families.

The federal government must join together with local communities to reclaim and restore environmentally-damaged areas so that residents can enjoy the use of safe and vibrant locations throughout their communities. She recognizes that revitalizing our neighborhoods is a key component to improving the local economy, and is committed to making New York’s 7th Congressional District a better place for all its residents.

More on Economy

COVID-19: Resources for Small Businesses the American Rescue Plan
May 4, 2020
Press Release

Congress has taken a number of steps to help small businesses weather the economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the latest information about relief programs available through the American Rescue Plan, click here.

For a summary of the small business provisions of the American Rescue Plan, click here.

EARLIER RELIEF:

Issues: Economy Small Business
NYC Lawmakers Press Trump Administration on Small Business Aid Rollout
April 10, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Members of the New York City Congressional delegation today wrote Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza, calling for swift remediation of problems in small business aid programs recently enacted as part of the "CARES Act."

Issues: Economy Healthcare Small Business
Velázquez Bill Would Enlist Restaurants in Anti-Hunger Effort
March 31, 2020
Press Release

Grant Program Would Partner Nonprofits, Small and Medium Eateries to Address Nutrition Needs

Washington, DC – Legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) would establish a new program to help meet staffing shortages at antihunger nonprofit organizations in New York City and throughout the nation. Under the bill, the "Community Meals Fund", nonprofits could qualify for grants of $500,000 to partner with small and mid-sized restaurants for the preparation and distribution of food to vulnerable populations.

Issues: Economy Healthcare Small Business
Velazquez on CARES Act Passage
March 27, 2020
Press Release
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement today regarding passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARE) Act:
"The legislation we passed today will offer an economic lifeline to millions of working families and small businesses in New York and throughout the nation. This bill is not perfect. However, with the economy in freefall and the pandemic paralyzing our nation, the American people need and deserve swift, meaningful action and this legislation delivers.
Issues: Economy Healthcare Housing Small Business
Information on Coronavirus
March 24, 2020
Press Release

Updated February 9

As the COVID19 epidemic continues, it is important that New Yorkers have access to reliable information.

Please utilize the following information to prepare yourselves and address any problems or pressing concerns you may have.

Residents of New York's 7th Congressional District may always contact the Congresswoman's office for help. The best way to do so is by using this online form. Submissions are checked daily.

Issues: Economy Healthcare Housing Small Business
Bill Would Waive Fees for Stranded Travelers
March 23, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – With thousands of Americans stranded abroad due to travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) is looking to waive fees for travelers who require evacuation assistance from the U.S. Department of State. The bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).

Issues: Economy Healthcare
Velazquez Seeks Housing Relief During COVID-19 Crisis
March 23, 2020
Press Release

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has authored legislation that would temporarily suspend during the coronavirus emergency rent contributions owed by tenants living in public housing or those who receive Section 8 vouchers.

Issues: Economy Healthcare Housing
Velazquez Hosts Coronavirus Telephone Townhall
March 19, 2020
Press Release

On March 18th, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez hosted a telephone townhall with local, state and federal experts to answer questions from New Yorkers.

 

Issues: Economy Healthcare Small Business
Velazquez Hails Passage of Coronavirus Funding
March 4, 2020
Press Release
Bill Includes Small Business Loans Based on Velázquez Bill
Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6074) providing additional federal funds to address the coronavirus outbreak. The bill includes emergency loans to assist small businesses that suffer economic damage from the virus' spread. Those measures, which would allow $7 billion in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, are based on legislation Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced last week with Reps.
Issues: Economy Healthcare Small Business
Velázquez on Trump FY 2021 Budget
February 11, 2020
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the President's Fiscal Year 2021 Budget:
"The President's budget would dismantle our safety net, harm seniors, take food from hungry families, slash funding for infrastructure investment and housing and make it harder for young people to pursue education and job training. Budget's reflect values and this one makes it crystal clear the President's values are diametrically opposed to those of the American people.
Issues: Economy Healthcare Housing