Dear Friend,
After a productive winter, the House jumps back into session this week following a short spring District Work Period. As we turn the page from landmark health care reform, my focus continues to be on creating momentum in our economy, ensuring financial market protections and getting San Diegans and Americans back to work. Also, I am committed to getting the most out of our education system, which is the foundation for an innovative, competitive workforce.
San Diegans have been so engaged and open with me about the issues that affect our region and our country, and I truly value that input. I’d like to take a moment to review the progress Congress has made so far in 2010 and how it is playing a role in the 53rd District, as well as to keep you posted on upcoming issues.
It continues to be an honor to serve you.
Warm Regards,
Susan
Table of Contents
- Health Care Reform Becomes Law
- Economic Update
- Education – Investing in Our Future
- Tax Day
- The Cesar Chavez Post Office
- Acknowledging the 2010 Olympics and Their Athletes
- Honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII
- Protecting Our Communities
- Supporting Our Military Spouses
- Hearing From You: Recent District Events
- Congressional Art Competition
- Summer Internship Announcement
I.Health Care Reform Becomes Law
After over a year of hard work and decades of advocacy by everyday Americans, I was proud to support a health care reform law that will make quality, affordable health insurance available to every American. Over the past few months, I have heard passionate concerns on both sides of this issue, and I took them all to heart. In the end, the new law accomplishes the main goal I heard from thousands of San Diegans: a system that puts consumers and patients first.
The health reform law finally makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny or drop coverage based on gender or a preexisting condition. It contains essential improvements that will cover the uninsured, help small businesses cover their employees, and rein in drastic year-after-year premium hikes. It also includes provisions I authored to promote diabetes prevention and to ensure continued federal reimbursement for birth center facility fees.
What’s in the law for those living in the 53rd Congressional District:
- 92,000 uninsured residents will be able to directly compare insurance plans and choose the best coverage for them and their families in a state-wide exchange.
- Starting this year, up to 15,800 small businesses will be eligible for tax credits to extend coverage to their employees.
- 71,000 Medicare beneficiaries will no longer pay out of pocket expenses for preventive care and seniors will see an end to the dreaded Medicare Part D “donut hole”.
- 16,300 residents with preexisting conditions will no longer face discrimination and will now be able to obtain insurance coverage for them or their children.
- Entrepreneurs and job-seekers will no longer have to fear losing access to insurance if they leave their place of employment to start their own business or find a different job.
Again, I appreciate that so many of you took the time to share your thoughts and concerns throughout this process. To learn more about the new law, please click here.
II. Economic Update
My top priority in Congress right now is ensuring a strong economic recovery. The Recovery Act that passed last year stopped our deep slide and led us to two quarters of solid economic growth, including 160,000 new jobs created in March. Now we need to get banks lending and customers spending again, and we need sustained job growth across the board. It’s clear that fiscal responsibility and accountability must play a role in our financial and housing markets so taxpayers won’t ever have to bail them out again. I’ve held roundtables and meetings with small business owners in our district who told me things are looking up. They also had some great ideas of how to make more progress, some of which I am using to draft legislation to help encourage small business growth.
Some recent steps we have taken on the federal level have included the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act, which was signed into law in March. It made American businesses immediately eligible for $13 billion in tax credits to hire unemployed individuals and further incentives to keep them on the payroll for over a year. The House also passed a bill to suspend capital gains taxes on small business investments through 2011 and increase the tax deduction for those starting small businesses (H.R. 4849) and another measure targeting youth unemployment (H.R. 4899). I sincerely hope the Senate will soon consider these bills to encourage our economic recovery.
III. Education – Investing in Our Future
I’m pleased to report that the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) was signed into law in March as part of a deficit-reduction package. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I worked closely on the House’s version of SAFRA and was proud to vote for the final bill. SAFRA makes college dramatically more affordable by ensuring Pell Grant award amounts increase every year with inflation and cutting out the middleman banks to make college loans directly to students. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates this will save $57 billion over ten years, which will help students afford college.
This law sets the stage for smart education reform, as Congress takes up the reauthorization of the Early and Secondary Education Act, commonly known as No Child Left Behind. I look forward to reworking this law in Committee to incorporate the priorities of San Diego students and teachers, and hearing your input throughout the process. We need to support quality teachers and strong leadership in our schools, and there must be constructive accountability if a school isn’t fulfilling its promise to our students.
IV.Tax Day
With the April 15 deadline this week, I want San Diegans to be aware of all the credits and deductions that could help them as they file. From assistance paying for college to refunds on some home improvements, Recovery Act legislation passed last year included more than a dozen new tax credits – some worth thousands of dollars – that could help ease the tax burden for many families. You can see for yourself what credits you are eligible for by using the Tax Savings Tool provided by the White House by clicking here.
V. The Cesar Chavez Post Office
On March 29, as our community celebrated the legacy of Cesar Chavez, an inspirational leader and advocate for social justice, I was delighted to dedicate the Southeastern Post Office in Logan Heights in his honor. I have been proud to sponsor legislation honoring Chavez each year since 2005 and was very pleased to guide Senator Barbara Boxer’s version of the bill through the House. While many people know Cesar Chavez for his work organizing farm workers throughout California and the West, far fewer know that he worked right here in San Diego to improve conditions and lives of the men and women working on fishing boats and in our local tuna canneries.
Chavez’s commitment to community, justice and non-violence is inspirational, and I am grateful this post office will serve as a constant reminder of his contributions to our community. I want to thank Senator Boxer, Representative Bob Filner, and the United States Postal Service for joining me in making the dedication a reality.
VI. Acknowledging the 2010 Olympics and Their Athletes
I introduced H.Res.1128 to honor the athletes who represented the United States in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Olympic athletes entertain us, inspire us, and humble us. In divisive times, the Olympics bring the world together in camaraderie and healthy competition, and I felt it was important to recognize these games as a world forum for peace and international cooperation.
San Diego is a city committed to health and fitness, and San Diego’s very own Olympic Training Center was an important training resource for many of the athletes who participated in the Vancouver Games. I’m pleased that the House of Representatives was able to honor the commitment and perseverance of all the athletes by passing H.Res.1128 on March 16.
VII. Honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WWII
On March 10, 2010, Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of WWII were honored for the first time with the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’s highest honor. At the height of WWII, over a thousand female volunteers became the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft, but they have not been formally recognized for their service until now.
I was privileged to help usher legislation (H.R. 2014) through Congress that gave the WASP the long overdue recognition they deserve. At a very precarious time in our nation’s history, these women stepped forward and volunteered their remarkable service with soaring patriotism. In visiting with many of these women during their time in Washington, including Vivian Eddy from Coronado, it was clear that the strength, selflessness, and spunk that willed them to become WASP still defines them. Female servicemembers today stand on their shoulders, and I was grateful to be a part of their day and help share their story.
VIII. Protecting Our Communities
The deaths of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois and the news surrounding them were truly tragic and heart-wrenching. I have heard from many understandably worried parents, and I am staying in close contact with San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis on this issue. As a mother and a grandmother, I know that the safety of our children is of utmost concern, and I will continue to work to ensure our neighborhoods and communities are protected.
IX. Supporting Our Military Spouses
As Chairwoman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, taking care of and supporting servicemembers and their families is one of my top priorities. So when I heard from many military spouses about how the abrupt pause of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) CAA (Spouse Career Advancement Account) program was affecting them, I was just as concerned as they were. This is one of the first programs to provide educational funding assistance directly to military spouses to pursue portable careers in high-demand, high growth occupations, like education and health care. I contacted the DOD to raise these concerns and also shared them with the Service Chiefs and respective Service Secretaries during Armed Services Committee hearings. I’m pleased to report that the DOD reinstated the CAA program on March 13.
X. Hearing From You - Recent District Events
In early March, I held a series of events in the 53rd District to talk about both national and local issues. At my Southeast and Mid-City Neighborhood Days on March 6, constituents shared their thoughts and questions about health care, the economy, defense spending and community concerns. The following week, San Diegans at the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Day also discussed health care with me, as well as their concerns about helicopter noise and the Navy’s training at Silver Strand.
My office and I continue to work to help constituents get relevant information for their families, careers, and businesses. This spring, I have hosted a Career Workshop at the San Diego Workforce Partnership, a Grants Workshop in Mission Valley, and a Student Financial Aid Workshop at Hoover High School in City Heights.
Thank you to everyone who attended these events – it is so helpful hearing your ideas and seeing your interest in making our community stronger.
XI. Congressional Art Competition
The 2010 Congressional Art Competition is currently underway. Each year, Members of Congress hold contests within their districts to choose winning pieces of art by high school students to be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This impressive art exhibit brightens the Cannon Tunnel and showcases the talent of our nation’s young people. The theme for this year’s art competition is “Working Together Makes Us Stronger.” The deadline to submit artwork to my San Diego office is Friday, May 7, 2010. Please visit the Art Competition section of my website by clicking here for more information.
XII. Summer Internship Announcement
My Washington, D.C. office and my San Diego office are accepting applications for summer 2010 internships. This is a great opportunity for students and graduates to learn about public service and gain valuable experience. For information about interning in Washington, please contact Quinn Dang at quinn.dang@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-2040. For information about interning in San Diego please contact Mike McLaughlin at mike.mclaughlin@mail.house.gov or (619) 280-5353.
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DISCLAIMER: I cannot guarantee the integrity of the text of this letter unless it was sent to you directly from my Congressional e-mail account: Susan.Davis@mail.house.gov. Please note that this account is unattended. If you would like to be removed from my e-mail update list, please click here. If you would like to subscribe to the update list or send me a message for any other purpose, please do so through my website, www.house.gov/susandavis. Thank you.
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