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Dear friend,
This week's news on the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine provided a glimmer of hope for all of us. We're one step closer to saving lives and a sense of normalcy, but the state of our hospitals' ICUs serves as a grim reminder that we must not let our guard down. Once again, I urge you to think of your safety and that of those around you by washing your hands frequently, avoiding large gatherings, keeping social distance and wearing a mask.
For additional resources and information, visit the county's COVID information page.
I continue my work in the district to stay in touch with the people I represent. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
COVID-19 Relief
Americans need help now to get through the economic crisis caused by this pandemic. I look forward to voting for a relief bill as soon as Congressional leaders strike a deal. I'm confident that our leaders will put country over party to deliver and provide critical relief for families and businesses in the coming days.
Bipartisan Vaccine Awareness Bill
This week, I joined Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) and a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce a bill that would enhance COVID-19 vaccine awareness. It would help educate vulnerable communities and increase public trust in the vaccine's ability to control this virus. The bill provides funds for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. For more information on this bill, click here.
District Work
Meeting with Nene and Ekene Okolo
This week, I spoke with two special students from Poway: Nene and Ekene Okolo. Together, these sisters created an engaging way to battle racism in their community through an Instagram account, Black in PUSD, in which they encourage students from Poway Unified and alumni of color to share their school experiences. During our conversation, we spoke about the story behind this initiative and Nene and Ekene's personal experiences with racism on campus. Looking ahead, they're working on having an ethnic studies course available to students in California public high schools. I look forward to continuing our discussions when I join their podcast in the future.
To learn more about Nene and Ekene's efforts highlighted in the Union-Tribune, click here.
Virtual Tour of Surgical Center of San Diego
On Monday, I took a virtual tour of the Surgical Center of San Diego, which is operated as a partnership with UCSD Medical Center. During this virtual tour, the staff explained how COVID-19 has affected patients and the community, as well as the changes they made to ensure patient safety during the pandemic. We also discussed H.R.4350, the Ambulatory Surgical Center Quality and Access Act of 2019. This bill establishes and modifies certain requirements relating to Medicare payments for ambulatory surgical center services. My district alone is home to 17 different ambulatory surgery centers.
This Week's Casework Success Story
William from Point Loma is a 70-year-old Vietnam combat veteran who reached out to our office for assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) back in February. He had filed a claim in 2016 to increase his service-connected disability compensation rating. My staff sent various inquiries and followed up with VA regarding William's claim. This month, VA notified William and my office that his disability rating was increased with a retroactive payment of $11,000. William earned a Bronze Star for his combat service in Vietnam, and I thank him for his bravery and sacrifices on behalf of our nation.
To stay up to date on my work throughout the week, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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.
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