|
Dear friend,
This week brought encouraging news on the COVID-19 vaccine front as more vaccine dose shipments arrived in our region. As a result, people who work in emergency services, child care and education, and food and agriculture, including grocery store employees, will be eligible to receive a vaccine starting tomorrow. Click here to learn how different agencies will vaccinate these new eligible groups. You can also check your eligibility and be notified when it's your turn to be vaccinated here.
As we make progress in the fight against this virus in San Diego and across the country, I urge you to stay safe by wearing masks, frequently washing your hands, and practicing social distancing. We're not out of the woods yet.
This week, I continued my work in Washington, D.C. Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
Legislative Work
Reintroduction of the Workforce Mobility Act
This week, I reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Workforce Mobility Act with Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), and Rep. Peter Meijer (MI-03). This bill seeks to help American workers by limiting employers' ability to force employees to sign non-compete agreements.
While California has long prohibited the use of non-competes, one in every five workers nationwide is covered by a non-compete agreement. Forty percent of American employees have been constrained by a non-compete agreement at some point during their career. The Workforce Mobility Act would narrow the allowable use of non-compete agreements to only include extraordinary cases such as the sale of a business or the hiring of senior executives. It would also require employers to explicitly inform their employees of the limitations non-compete agreements impose. Click here for more information on this bill.
American Rescue Plan Act
Today, the House expects to pass President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act. This COVID-19 relief bill would provide $1,400 stimulus checks per person, $56.75 billion for vaccines and testing, $130 billion for K-12 schools, and extend unemployment benefits, among other critical provisions. This proposal is a good start, but I hope further improvements can be made in the Senate to ensure this funding targets individuals, families and businesses who need it the most. This would include extending the duration of unemployment payments with automatic triggers, adjusting the amount and timing of state aid based on real revenue shortfall, and expanding funding for the industries that are hurting the most, specifically restaurants, attractions, and live entertainment. I'm hopeful that these changes will further arm the fight against COVID and provide funding where and when it's truly needed.
District Work
Meeting with leaders of the Dawoodi Bohras community
Last Friday, I met with leaders of the Dawoodi Bohras community of San Diego, a branch of Islam from the Indian subcontinent. We spoke about the community's traditions, customs and beliefs, as well as how members are helping others throughout this pandemic with food drives and other helpful events.
Peace Corps Information Night
Join us next Monday for a special information night on the 60th anniversary of the Peace Corps. I'll be speaking with local past volunteers and recruiters about their experiences during their service, how people can join the Peace Corps and how the organization has adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will take place from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. via Zoom and will be streaming live on Facebook.
Click here or the graphic above to join!
NEW: Participate in our weekly poll!
We've recently introduced a new section in our e-newsletter for readers to weigh in on a relevant topic. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
What do you think should be the next legislative priority for Congress after it passes the American Rescue Plan?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. We'll share the results in next week's e-newsletter.
Last week's question was: "Optimizing [the national] grid may reduce carbon emissions, improve system resiliency and reduce wholesale power costs, but would require the federal government to override state and local objections to power line permitting and construction. Would you support this kind of overhaul to our power grid? Here are the results:
370 Responses: 67.3% Yes, the grid's capabilities need to be modernized for current demand and to promote renewables. 22.4% Other 10.3% No, this would be an unnecessary undertaking.
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.
|