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Dear friend,
This week I continued my work here in San Diego and enjoyed attending functions in person once again. Virtual events became our new normal, but nothing compares to engaging and spending time in each other's presence. I'm encouraged by our progress to put COVID-19 behind us so we can resume the lives we had before the pandemic.
Thank you for doing your part to stay safe and to keep those around you safe as well by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask. If you haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine yet, click here for information.
Below is another update on some of the work my staff and I have done this week to serve you.
This Week's Casework Success Story
Dora from Mira Mesa reached out to my office in April concerning an issue with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). They terminated her Medicare benefits stating that she had not paid six months of premiums, even though she had proof of payment. We sent this case to the local SSA field office in Kearny Mesa and the local office sent the case to the SSA Processing Center for a review. By mid-May, SSA staff took a closer look and resolved the case.
"My Mother asked that I THANK YOU for helping her and getting results so quickly. Her Medicare has been reinstated...She had all her payment records, but no one would take the information and audit her file to confirm the payments had been made. She is 81 years old and this really wore her down with worry. Scott Peters and his team do care and get results!"
- Yvette, Dora's daughter
AFGE Western Regional Council of Prisons Caucus
On Tuesday, I delivered opening remarks at the general session for the AFGE Western Regional Council of Prisons Caucus. I welcomed members to San Diego and highlighted my commitment to improve pay and benefits, increase staff, and help members and families who were hurt by COVID-19. Prison guards work long hours under stressful conditions to keep our communities safe. We honor their work and sacrifices during the pandemic, and continue to support their mission.
Virtual Coffee & Conversation with Healthcare Leadership Council
On Wednesday, I joined members of the Healthcare Leadership Council for a broad conversation on health care and my related work in Congress. I discussed my support for the Affordable Care Act, the importance of innovation and genome sequencing, the success of Operation Warp Speed, continued support for the National Institutes of Health, and telemedicine in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also spoke about my support for the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act to enhance our nation's nurse and physician workforce during the pandemic by recapturing unused immigrant visas.
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Congressional Conversation
I joined my peers Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Virtual Congressional Conversation on Wednesday. This event gave the San Diego Congressional Delegation the opportunity to weigh in on the region's most important issues. I answered questions on the future of our economy, discussed my positive outlook on job creation and ways to keep our country competitive, and the need to stay at the forefront of science and innovation, among other issues.
Virtual Forum on Central American Security, Economic Prosperity, and Migration
On Thursday, I joined the Institute of the Americas for a virtual forum to discuss challenges and opportunities in Central America's Northern Triangle Region. The institute is a non-profit policy center at UC San Diego that hosts workshops and conferences on critical issues in the Americas. We spoke about the United States' efforts to fix our immigration system, how we've interacted with Central American governments in the past, and climate change as a threat to our national security. I also discussed my thoughts on President Biden's recent proposal to address factors driving migration from Central America to our border region and beyond.
BAPACSD American Rescue Plan Congressional Panel
I also joined the San Diego Chapter of the Black American Political Association of California on Thursday to discuss the American Rescue Plan. I discussed the relief bill's impact on the Black community, how the pandemic disproportionately hurt communities of color, and the systemic inequalities that existed long before the pandemic. Thank you to BAPACSD for your continued work and engagement on behalf of the African American community.
Participate in Our Weekly Poll!
This section in our e-newsletter allows readers to weigh in on current events. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Here's this week's question:
An indicator of our COVID-19 recovery is the recent surge in travel. The Transportation Security Administration workforce screened over 5 million travelers at airports across the country over Memorial Day weekend. Have you recently traveled by plane or booked tickets to fly for a summer vacation?
Click here to submit your answer via Google Forms. Last week's question was: Many states are offering incentives for residents to become vaccinated against COVID-19. Do you believe these incentives (cash, products, food/drinks etc.) are a good investment to protect the public health?
Here are the results:
251 Responses: 48.2% Yes; they may convince those who are undecided to get vaccinated which benefits all of us. 23.1% No; incentives won't change the minds of those who refuse to get vaccinated. 10.8% Don't Know; I'm not sure if this approach will work or if this is a good investment. 17.9% Other
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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