CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIA ANNOUNCES MARIA GUADALUPE MARTINEZ AS STATE OF THE UNION GUEST

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29) announced that her guest for Biden's first State of the Union address will be Maria Guadalupe Martinez from Houston, Texas.

"I am proud to announce Maria Guadalupe Martinez as my honored guest for President Biden's State of the Union Address. As an immigrant and mother of twelve, Maria has worked endlessly for her family. Maria's unwavering dedication to her family is a true testament to her character." said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "While she actively participated in her children's lives, Maria also made a personal effort to grow through classes in ESL, GED, computer, and citizenship."

Maria has become the primary caretaker for her husband. Her husband depends on life-saving dialysis, and Maria's health has become more of a priority now than ever to continue caring for her husband. They have realized the challenges of declining health, and seeing both Medicare and Social Security negatively impacted will make their lives more challenging. These programs are vital, and access is essential to Maria and her husband. It would be detrimental to lose these benefits they have worked so hard to contribute, only to see them stripped away.

"Thanks to House Democrats and President Biden, our country has made tremendous progress for everyday families. Democrats have delivered long-overdue investments in landmark legislation to lower health care costs," said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. "Constituents like Maria exemplify the progress we have made and the work that House Democrats will continue to do to defend American values."

Congresswoman Garcia recognizes Maria's story as a shared experience among many in her district. Medicare and Social Security are critical resources for thousands, and it would be devastating to see these hard-earned benefits stripped away.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the Financial Services Committee.