Rep. Cisneros Votes to Pass Bipartisan Heroes Act and Provide Relief to CA-39 Cities and Counties, Frontline Workers, and Small Businesses

Press Release

Today, Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) voted to pass the bipartisan Heroes Act. This legislation provides funding for cities, counties, and states; families; essential workers; small businesses; and testing. Cities in California's 39th District will receive over $367 million dollars and the counties will receive over $8.6 billion in direct aid that can be used for our healthcare workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other frontline workers who are in danger of losing their jobs. The Heroes Act includes Rep. Cisneros' bipartisan bill to provide flexibility for state and local governments to access previously approved federal relief funds to offset lost revenue due to the health emergency from COVID-19.

"Over the last two weeks, I've hosted five town halls and held countless meetings with constituents who need our help and are calling for Congress to act. Their health and safety has always been my top priority, and it's why I support the bipartisan Heroes Act, which delivers much-needed relief, resources, and support to our communities during this difficult time.

"I've been talking with local leaders in every city in the 39th, and they've been asking for more funding for our cities. Not only will the Heroes Act provide over $875 billion in direct funding to states, cities, and counties, it will give them the flexibility to use the funding where it can do the most good. This much-needed assistance will help our cities maintain crucial programs, fund public safety, and keep city frontline workers employed. I'm also glad that the Heroes Act includes my bipartisan bill to address revenue shortfalls and provide flexibility and assurance to cities, counties, and states.

"I've also been fighting for more funding, support, and clarity to the EIDL and PPP because we need to be working to support small businesses, not wealthy corporations and big banks. In addition to providing significant funding for EIDL, this bill also makes necessary fixes and expands the PPP to those that need it, including local chambers of commerce and other non-profits. Our small businesses are committed to the safety and health of the community, and the Heroes Act includes my bipartisan small business bills and priorities I have urged congressional leadership and the Administration to adopt.

"The Heroes Act also honors our nation's heroes and provides hazard pay and workplace protections to workers on the frontlines of this pandemic, who selflessly risk their lives every single day to keep our communities safe. Furthermore, this bipartisan bill includes funding for coronavirus testing and treatment, the keys to protecting the American people's health and successfully reopening the economy. On top of that, the Heroes Act includes legislation I've championed to lift the SALT cap and provide tax relief for 39th District families, a top priority I have advocated for since my first day in Congress.

"Our cities, our communities, and our constituents need our help. While this process should have been more open, we need to pass the Heroes Act to provide the bold and necessary support for our families, workers, small businesses and cities. I'll continue to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues, in all levels of government, to get more done. I strongly urge the Senate and the President to pass this bill for the American people."

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