Economy
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
Washington, DC – Led by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), three New York City lawmakers are calling on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to postpone the City’s 2020 Tax Lien Sale, currently slated for September 4, 2020. New York City’s Department of Finance annually sells liens of residential properties that have unpaid debts on property taxes, water bills, and other costs. When liens are sold to entities like collection agencies, this can result in homeowners’ fees and interest of up to 18 percent.
Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding Industry City:
“It’s come to my attention that several City Council Members who do not represent the Sunset Park community, or even the same borough, have seen fit to advocate on behalf of the Industry City rezoning application. It would be extraordinarily shortsighted for City Council Speaker Johnson and other members of the Council to pay these misguided views undue heed.
Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would make the $600 weekly benefit provided in the “CARES Act” tax free. In April, Congress created the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit, which provides an extra $600 a week for any worker who is eligible for state or federal unemployment compensation (UC) benefits.
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:
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.”
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.
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.
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).
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.
