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Dear friend,
As we continue seeing how the horrible war in Ukraine unfolds, President Biden is strengthening our alliances on the global stage this week. This war is an unwanted reminder that America is strongest when it takes the lead. President Biden's leadership has effectively brought together allies and partners throughout the world to level crippling sanctions on Russia's economy, isolate Putin's government, and assist Ukraine during this difficult time.
Back here in San Diego, I had a productive week meeting with hardworking people in the community. Below is another update on the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Beverly from University City contacted the office in February to request assistance with obtaining a tax refund on behalf of a friend who passed away. After her friend's passing, Beverly became the heir and executor to the estate. Her tax return was originally filed in October 2021, but Beverly had not received any updates on the status of the return. My staff worked with Beverly to gather all tax information and documents related to her friend's estate and sent them to the IRS for processing. This week, Beverly received a refund check for $7,619.67.
Securing Federal Funds for Poway's Water Infrastructure
On Monday, I held a press conference to announce $1 million in community project funding for the City of Poway's Clearwell Bypass System. The Clearwell is a 10-million-gallon treated water storage reservoir that was built in 1964 and needs to be replaced. Funds for this project were secured through the federal appropriations bill for fiscal year 2022 that was signed into law last week. The Clearwell project is one of seven projects I fought to include in the federal appropriations bill. In total, seven projects for CA-52 will be funded, totaling $5,862,500. I thank the City of Poway for your work to meet our most basic human need for water!
Discussing the Importance of Multiple Sclerosis Research
Later on Monday, I spoke with members of the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society about the need to keep funding for the MS Research Program at the Department of Defense. We also spoke about ways to make health insurance and drug prices more affordable.
Using Algae to Fight Climate Change
I visited the offices of Viridos, a biotechnology company based in Torrey Pines on Wednesday. The company harnesses the power of photosynthesis to mitigate climate change by developing renewable algae biofuel. We discussed the company's operations, potential partnerships with the Departments of Defense and Energy, and how a national low-income fuel standard can include algae. As the co-founder of the Congressional Algae Caucus, it was so exciting to see this work that keeps our innovation sector alive!
Supporting San Diego Families in Need Through Head Start
On Tuesday, I visited the Broadway Early Head Start center in Downtown San Diego. Head Start is a federally funded child development program that provides preschool children of low-income families with resources to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs. The staff and I discussed how federal poverty guidelines could be changed to help more families in San Diego meet eligibility requirements to participate in the program.
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or need assistance with a federal agency, reach out to us through our website or by calling the district office at 858-455-5550.
To stay updated on my work throughout the week, you can also follow my social media accounts by clicking on the icons below.
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