Quick action by congresswoman, Heroes Act save Houston woman from eviction
HOUSTON โ For Houstonโs Judy Phillips is one of thousands of Houston area residents being forced to seek shelter because of the COVID crisis. After seeing Phillipsโs story Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee stepped in swiftly to get funds from the federal Heroes Act to get Phillips' back rent and late fees paid in full. The act requires landlords to sign on to the program and Jackson Lee had a strong plea for them. โDonโt evict people while the city and the county are trying to process relief,โ Jackson Lee said. And while Judy Phillips has a roof over her head Tuesday night, her story echoes the plight of thousands of our fellow neighbors and Houstonians hit hardest by the pandemic.
Unemployed Houstonians, HEROES Act supporters demonstrate and distribute food outside Sen. Cornyns office
Senator John Cornyns office Tuesday with the aim of getting him to support the HEROES Act, a proposal led by Democrats in Congress. The provisions in the HEROES Act are the same $600 weekly unemployment assistance. Since the CARES Act expired in July with final disbursements on July 25, the HEROES Act would extend that provision though January 2021 and longer for others, depending on their circumstances. Republicans supported the HEALS Act which, unlike the HEROES Act, proposes a lesser payment to unemployed workers. Sen. Cornyn supported the additional federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act and supported its extension in the HEALS Act.
5 things for Houstonians to know for Wednesday, August 12
Here are things you need to know for Wednesday, August 12:1. Unemployed Houstonians, HEROES Act supporters demonstrate and distribute food outside Sen. Cornyns officeHoustonians who are out of work demonstrated outside U.S. Senator John Cornyns office Tuesday with the aim of getting him to support the HEROES Act, a proposal led by Democrats in Congress. The provisions in the HEROES Act are the same $600 weekly unemployment assistance. Kanipes is under fire for a Facebook post, which has since been deleted, that said White slaves were treated worse than any other race in the US.
Groups unite to urge US to extend food aid to schoolchildren
We are urging you to rapidly pass legislation to address the nation's hunger crisis, the group writes in a letter. In a terrible pandemic with terrible unemployment, with terrible food insecurity, why are we not doing more? she asked. Andrs told the AP he hopes $900 million can be set aside for school meals and waivers can be extended for poor families. Andrs said school meals shouldn't be political. But he specifically called out McConnell for not tackling food issues in the Senate or his own state.
Business owners, workers stay afloat due to Paycheck Protection Program
To stay alive, business-wise that is, Michael applied for the Paycheck Protection Program. Just to be safe to continue you working in the industry I love, to continue doing what I love, has been awesome, Bo said. And now there is good news for Americans both working and not working. Lawmakers in Washington are now considering a second stimulus program. The HEROES Act, larger than the original stimulus package, this program would give more money to families.
New jobs report diminishes GOP appetite for more virus aid
WASHINGTON An unexpectedly strong jobs report could further scramble an already uncertain picture for passing a fifth and possibly final coronavirus aid bill. The positive statistics are feeding the wait-and-see approach of the White House and its GOP allies in Congress. Republicans say the numbers vindicate their decision to take a pause and assess the almost $3 trillion in assistance they already have approved. The coming weeks are expected to bring difficult negotiations over what the package should contain, just months before an election where the White House and control of Congress are at stake. Fridays jobs report showed a 2.5 million gain instead of an expected loss of millions more, complicating prospects for the aid talks.