Congressman Bob Filner's
Congressional Update

March 2005

In this Issue:

• Fighting to Improve Our Nation's Budget
• Town Hall Meeting On Social Security
• Taking on Crime in Local Communities
• Honoring Cesar Chavez
• A Final Good-bye to a Vietnam Veteran
• Continuing the Fight for Affordable Housing
• Constituent Mail Bag
• Cool Web Site: Explore Washington D.C.
   

Fighting to Improve Our Nation's Budget

In February, the President presented Congress with his proposed budget for the new year.

I am deeply concerned about the impact his proposal will have on San Diego and Imperial Counties and across the nation. The President's budget grossly short changes vital programs for veterans, education, health care, the environment, community development, agriculture, and affordable housing. Yet, the budget barely dents the record deficit created by multiple tax cuts for the wealthy and the war in Iraq.

The President's priorities are wrong for the 51st Congressional District and wrong for America! As your voice in Washington, you can count on me to fight for a sound budget that provides equity for all and serves the needs of our community.
 

Taking on Crime in Local Communities

As the Representative for the south San Diego area and Imperial Valley, I believe I can be most effective when I work closely with the leaders of the community and you!

When I was alerted by individuals in the community of the growing number of armed robberies in San Ysidro, I turned to San Diego Police Chief Bill Lansdowne to help develop a strategy for keeping our community safe.

As a result, in late February, the Southern Division Community Relations Officer of the San Diego Police Department held a workshop for the members of the San Ysidro Business community.  This workshop provided local business owners with tips and tools to better prevent robberies and to keep their employees safe. Local business owners expressed their satisfaction with this program and feel that they are better prepared to face any potential burglaries.

I will continue to closely monitor this situation and ensure that we work together to stop crime in its tracks!

Honoring Cesar Chavez
Si Se Puede--Yes, We Can!

On the 31st of this month, the state of California will celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez. This state holiday was created to honor Cesar Chavez for his tireless commitment to improving the plight of farm workers, children and the poor throughout the United States and for the inspiration his heroic efforts gave to so many Americans.

Since coming to Congress, I have been fighting to create a federal holiday and bring greater attention to Cesar Chavez�s many achievements. I have introduced H.J. Res. 12, which commemorates the spirit of Cesar E. Chavez: �Si Se Puede.� This bi-partisan Congressional Resolution officially recognizes the numerous accomplishments of Cesar Chavez.
 

A Final goodbye to a Vietnam veteran 

In August, 2004 a constituent of mine, Bob Wagnon, asked for my help in locating the burial site of his best friend, Richard Albert Schmitz, who was killed in Vietnam. Bob and Richard served together in the Army until Richard was killed on May 13, 1966. For nearly 38 years, Bob tried to locate Richard�s burial site with no success, contacting national cemeteries and National Veterans Organizations.

Once Bob brought this to my attention, I contacted the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Personnel Records Center, and finally the Department of the Army. In February, the Army finally located the burial site at a private cemetery in Long Beach, California.

On February 19, 2005, Bob traveled to Long Beach with another Army buddy and placed flowers on Richard�s grave. It warms my heart to know that I helped my constituent fulfill a 38 year-old obligation of friendship.

Visit My Veterans Page

Continuing the Fight For affordable housing

If you want proof that we can no longer ignore the San Diego housing crisis, look no further than the Southgate Apartments in the community of Nestor.

I have been fighting alongside Southgate residents and the national housing rights group ACORN to stop the condominium conversion planned for these apartments.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 20 percent of every renter household spends at least 50 percent of its income on housing. San Diego County is among the ten least-affordable housing markets in the nation.

To make matters worse, condo conversions are decreasing the number of available apartments and are pushing rents to outrageous levels. More condos mean more evictions and more people left without a home.

Instead of approving condo conversions all over town without any thought to what happens to the tenants, the City needs to work with Southgate residents and other renters. If we cannot give renters the assistance they need to purchase their converted apartments, we need a moratorium on these condo conversions!
 

Constituent Mail Bag

From Chula Vista:
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to please oppose any legislation or plan that will divert dedicated Social Security payroll taxes into private, individual accounts or in any way harm the benefits, structure, or traditional role of Social Security.

Congressman Filner replies:
Thank you for contacting me about your opposition to the privatization of Social Security.

I wholeheartedly agree with you! We must work to make sure that Social Security remains a source of income for future generations of seniors. I am opposed to the proposals to privatize Social Security and to gamble with your future in the stock market.

You can be sure that I will be fighting for you when Congress debates this issue.

Contact My Office

COOL WEB SITE: Explore Washington D.C.

Spring time is here, which means many of you will venture to our national capital. ExploreD.C. is an interactive guide to Washington hosted by the Public Broadcasting Corporation. Here you will find attractions, restaurants, and useful tips for visiting our nation's capital. Additionally, please be sure to contact me before you come to town. For a list of services my office can provide you, please see my visit Washington D.C. page!