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January 28, 2022
Dear friend,
Since launching the portal to ship COVID-19 tests to American households, federal officials have updated the Covidtests.gov website to answer frequently asked questions.
Those without access to high-speed internet can now place orders by phone by calling 1-800-232-0233. The phone line will offer services in English, Spanish and 150 other languages. Orders can be placed from 8 a.m. to midnight EST seven days a week.
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done recently to serve you.
Casework Success Story
In response to the recent terrorist attack on a synagogue in Texas, a local congregation has been looking to fund measures that would further protect their congregants. They contacted our office for help when they found a discrepancy in their information filed with the IRS and the California Secretary of State. This discrepancy blocked the congregation's access to a non-profit security grant dedicated to upgrading safety measures. Our team gathered various documents from congregation staff and submitted them to the IRS with a request to expedite the information update. Four days after we submitted the request, the IRS corrected the congregation's information in their system. As a result, the congregation can now move forward with their safety upgrades.
More ARP Funds for Rent Relief Program
Earlier this month, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) announced that it received $8.3 million in funds reallocated from other jurisdictions across the country to the City of San Diego for the COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program. These funds were authorized last year through the American Rescue Plan Act. As of January 18, 2022, SDHC has made payments totaling more than $152.8 million through the COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program to help 14,813 qualifying households. The City of San Diego received the third-highest award in the country among local jurisdictions that were awarded reallocated funds.
Spreading the Word About
the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Discussing Electric Vehicle Provisions for San Diego's Clean Energy Future
On Monday, Mayor Todd Gloria, County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, and Jeremy Abrams, Business Manager of IBEW 569, joined me to explain how funding for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would invest in San Diego's clean energy future, and will help California meet its zero-emission vehicle goals by 2035. Here in San Diego, we are fortunate that our local leadership has already developed policies to make our city more walkable and transit-friendly and increase access to electric charging stations, which are badly needed as drivers transition away from gas-powered vehicles. This landmark bill will work hand-in-hand with these existing plans.
Click here to watch our press conference.
Black American Political Association of California Panel
This past weekend, I participated in a panel hosted by the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC) to discuss upcoming funding opportunities in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Historic investments in this bill are meant to improve Americans' quality of life, fix roads our roads and bridges, while addressing many inequities that hurt Black and Brown communities in the U.S. An example of this effort is the White House's accelerated plan to remediate lead paint and replace all lead pipes in the next decade. I encourage members of the community to speak up about how they want federal spending prioritized and look forward to working with the African American community to ensure funds are devoted to the areas where the needs are greatest.
Head Start Education and COVID-19 Challenges for Students
On Wednesday, I met with the Neighborhood House Association to discuss the Head Start program. The association provided updates on how COVID-19 continues to hinder their operations as they deal with staff shortages and outbreaks. Association members also spoke about how the Build Back Better Act, which already passed the House, would help millions of families by making critical investments in universal Pre-K and affordable, high-quality child care.
Exploring Non-Lethal Alternatives for Law Enforcement
On Tuesday, I met with leaders of "Alternative Ballistics" in Poway to learn more about their new designs of impact munition available to the law enforcement community. Their product can potentially change the way that less-lethal impact munitions are regarded, utilized and deployed in law enforcement agencies.
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.
Stay safe and be well,