Representative Kathy Castor

Dear Friend:

It’s so gratifying to see Tampa Bay area families and small business owners bounce back from the Covid19 pandemic. Everyday, I hear stories from neighbors on how the American Rescue Plan is providing a lifeline - whether its through aid to public schools, child care centers, restaurants or through more affordable health care or the expanded Child Tax Credit.

We want to build back better than before Covid, and that is why I am working to pass President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan to revitalize our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, provide our neighbors with good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and clean energy, and make a long overdue investment in the care economy, allowing millions of Americans get back to work knowing their loved ones are safe and cared for. These forward-looking proposals would lift Florida families and our local economy. Congress should get this over the finish line over the next couple of months.

VACCINE UPDATE

Over 50 percent of Americans have received at least one Covid19 vaccine thanks to the American Rescue Plan so we can return to normal and stay healthy while enjoying time with friends and family this summer. Florida is lagging in vaccinations in certain pockets, however, so I hope you will help your family and neighbors get vaccinated as soon as possible.

There are plenty of opportunities to get your Covid19 vaccine in the Tampa Bay area. And don’t forget… the CDC has authorized use of the Pfizer vaccine in Americans 12 and older, so make a plan and bring your family along with you!

Other easy and convenient options include: Tampa Family Health Centers, Hillsborough County, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and others are holding events. You can also contact your local pharmacy or primary care physician for details on how to receive a vaccine at their offices.

You can always access the latest information on my website, and I encourage you to share it with friends and family.

CHILD TAX CREDIT

Neighbors: be sure you are aware of the tax cut for most families with children provided under the American Rescue Plan to lift America’s children and help hardworking parents pay for childcare and the necessities involved in raising kids. Advance payments of this credit will start rolling out to families next month – if you do not file taxes, you can apply for the expanded Child Tax Credit online at this IRS sign-up portal.

SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDIT

Good news: the IRS will continue to provide an American Rescue Plan tax credit to help local small businesses cover the costs of providing paid sick and family leave for workers through September. Along with using the leave to care for themselves and family who are sick, workers can also use leave to get their coronavirus vaccinations and take time off to recover from any temporary side effects from the shot. Businesses can find instructions for how to claim their credit here.

MY COMMITTEE

This week, my Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled "Booster Shot: Enhancing Public Health through Vaccine Legislation." The United States can eradicate the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases, and I was pleased that my Promoting Resources to Expand Vaccination, Education and New Treatments for HPV Cancers Act or the PREVENT HPV Cancers Act was discussed during this important hearing.

My bill will help ensure that all communities – especially the underserved - are being educated on the importance of cancer prevention and screening. Americans are dying from cancer when they shouldn’t, and our bill provides a strong commitment to health education and equity that will save lives and decrease racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment. Working with local leaders like Moffitt and USF as well as the National Cancer Institute and CDC, I’m confident we can increase health equity and positive outcomes through public education and research.

VOTES THIS WEEK

H.R. 256 – To repeal the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002: Since my first congressional campaign in 2006, I have supported a withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq and redeployment of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. I will vote in support of repealing the 2002 Iraq AUMF so that it cannot be used to justify new and unrelated, offensive military actions.

H.R. 3325 – To award four congressional gold medals to the United States Capitol Police and those who protected the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021: The insurrection at the United States Capitol is a dark stain in our nation’s history, and the heroic Capitol and DC Police Officers who gave life and limb to protect the Capitol building and those inside it are worthy of all of our gratitude. Unfortunately, 21 of my Republican colleagues voted against this legislation. I’m proud to support the Capitol Police and DC Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol and American democracy. They deserve to be honored!

H.R. 1187 – ESG Disclosure Simplification Act of 2021: This bill will require public companies to disclose certain environmental, social, and governance matters in annual filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as require public companies to disclose a description of the company’s views on the link between ESG metrics and long-term business performance annually in their proxy statements.

H.R. 239 – Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act: In an affront to female veterans, House Republicans blocked commonsense legislation that would treat female veterans the same as women in uniform and civilians when it comes to access to health care. Women veterans have served our country with honor and deserve equal access to health care once they return home. Our veteran neighbors in Tampa can rest assured that I’ll continue to work to pass this legislation and meet their needs in the days ahead. We owe them the best for their service and sacrifice for our nation.

Today, I was honored to represent Tampa at an enrollment ceremony of legislation establishing a National Pulse Memorial in Orlando. I have worked alongside my Florida colleagues in this effort to offer a sanctuary of hope and healing for Orlando and the broader LGBTQ community. Now, this legislation heads to Presiden Biden's desk for signature.

Stay safe and know that my team is always here to help at 813-871-2817.

Sincerely,

Kathy Castor
Member of Congress