Update from your Senator Lela Alston

Important Information About Vaccinations for Children

& Help for Struggling Homeowners

Congratulations Landis Cyclery-Phoenix, LD 24 Retailer of the Year

Friends,

There is important news about vaccinations for children ages 5-11 years, as well as immediate resources for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages and utilities. I want to provide you with this time-sensitive information ASAP, so today’s update will be brief.

In addition to serving as the LD 24 State Senator, I have the honor of being part of the Phoenix Union High School (PXU) Governing Board. PXU, in partnership with Maricopa County Health, Albertson’s Pharmacies and other community partners, helped to administer over 37,000 vaccinations to the community. With the CDC’s approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccination for children 5-11 years of age, PXU is now providing expanded opportunities for COVID vaccinations. Below is all the information you need…..

PXU, Elementary Districts & Community Partners to Provide Pediatric Pfizer Vaccine

Pediatric Pfizer vaccinations will be available starting Saturday Nov. 6^th at multiple locations. A flyer and full press release are included here. Please help spread the word! Students and families are getting out, enjoying our spectacular Phoenix fall weather. We can now do more to protect our young children so let’s do it

Help for Struggling Homeowners

The Arizona Department of Housing launched a one-time Homeowner Assistance Program today. $197 million to create the one-time Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) comes to Arizona from the U.S. Department of Treasury as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides assistance for Arizona low-income homeowners who have experienced financial hardship <https://azgovernor.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=92fdf4d2c03bdcc82721f4a7b&id=8a836675d2&e=030dd0e06d related to COVID-19 after January 21, 2020. The assistance is intended to prevent foreclosure but helps with more than just mortgage payments.

HAF will help with mortgage payments and take care of other expenses. The Arizona Housing Department and Director Tom Simplot are dedicated to supporting renters and homeowners, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring safe housing is available for those in need.

“Besides your mortgage, HAF will also pay past due utilities and internet services, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and more,” AZ Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot states. “The funds are available and ready to be distributed, all homeowners need to do is apply and show the need, and we’ll make payments immediately. This program is a true difference-maker for vulnerable homeowners in Arizona who have been hit hard by COVID, it gives hope. If you’re battling to stay in your home, I urge you to check your eligibility and apply today so we can help keep you in it.”

This month, Director Simplot published columns explaining Arizona’s commitment https://azgovernor.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=92fdf4d2c03bdcc82721f4a7b&id=883cb4540c&e=030dd0e06d  to expanding availability of affordable housing as our economy grows and the importance of utilizing public-private partnerships <https://azgovernor.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=92fdf4d2c03bdcc82721f4a7b&id=30e0fa7c77&e=030dd0e06d  to ensure Arizonans have access to reliable housing.

Thanks to Director Simplot and the dedicated AZ Department of Housing staff for implementing this vital program.

Landis Cyclery-Phoenix

LD 24 Retailer of the Year

One of my favorite jobs as Senator for LD 24 is to nominate independent retail companies for the annual AZ Retailer of the Year Award. This year, up against some very tough competition, Landis Cyclery-Phoenix on Indian School Rd. & 7^th Ave earned the title of LD 24 Retailer of the Year.

Landis has been part of the valley since 1912 and has remained under the management and ownership of the Landis family through two World Wars, plus every other war we have been involved in, The Great Depression, the 2008 Stock Market Crash, and COVID-19. Landis Cyclery started in an old blacksmith shop in downtown Phoenix, the same year that Arizona became a state. They moved to their current location on Indian School Rd. in 1945 and have operated out of the same shop since that time. There are more Landis shops in the valley, but the original remains at the heart of LD 24, and I could not be prouder to represent the shop and the Landis biking community in the AZ State Senate.

Landis was extremely busy during the pandemic. People could not go to gyms, but they could ride and buy bikes—and they did! The demand was tremendous, but Landis had the foresight to order parts and bikes early; they developed new customers and held on to their old ones. Landis exercised ingenuity and knowledge of their customer base during a difficult time and became a stronger community partner because the pandemic. It is why the AZ Retailer Association selected them for this year’s prestigious award.

Congratulations to Landis Cyclery-Phoenix!

Final Thoughts

As we begin the busy holiday season, I wish everyone well. Please stay safe and reach out to me, should you have any questions about the pediatric COVID vaccinations, mortgage assistance, or anything else! I always enjoy hearing from constituents and value your input.