Congresswoman-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic Socialist darling from the Bronx, couldn't afford an apartment in Washington, D.C. until she begins making a salary in Congress.
Because members of Congress are required to live in both Washington, D.C. and their home district, that means Ocasio-Cortez would be spending a pretty penny in two of the most expensive cities, News Channel 5 reported. Rent in D.C. and Ocasio-Cortez's district range between $1,500 and $1,800 a month.
“To live in two major cities at 29 years old, it's not easy for anybody to do until she gets that income that she's waiting for once her job starts,” Steve Gaich, a relator in D.C., told News Channel 5.
Well, now she has nothing to worry about. Celebrity chef José Andrés has offered to let her stay Ocasio-Cortez stay with his family for as long as need be. Andres owns restaurants in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; Las Vegas; South Beach, Florida; Frisco, Texas; and Dorado, Puerto Rico.
Here's the Twitter exchange:
There are many little ways in which our electoral system isn’t even designed (nor prepared) for working-class people to lead.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 8, 2018
This is one of them (don’t worry btw - we’re working it out!)
?? https://t.co/PEQ5ccSDSO
Dear Congresswomen: you have a room, a shower, and a plate on my family table for as long as you may be in need of one. https://t.co/ZxW5H3sIoI
— José Andrés (@chefjoseandres) November 9, 2018
Gracias por su invitación, Señor Andrés.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) November 9, 2018
I should be fine on lodging, though I could never turn down a seat at the family table!
Thank you for all that you’ve done for the people of Puerto Rico and our entire country. ?????? https://t.co/PIEm900WcE
I'm not convinced that Ocasio-Cortez is truly worried about whether or not she can afford to live in Washington, D.C. and her home district. I really believe this was nothing more than a publicity stunt. The Democrats would do anything to see their Socialist darling succeed. If nothing else, I'm sure Michael Bloomberg could afford to drop a few pennies a month paying Ocasio-Cortez's rent in New York (as long as he calls it "lobbying" or something of the sort).