August 27, 2013

Dear Friend,

It is great to be back in San Diego after a busy June and July shuttling back and forth to Washington. A top priority for me has been finding ways to support the main sectors of San Diego's regional economy, which are tourism, the military, and innovation. Many of my visits and events in the District this month have also focused on learning from leaders in those fields about new ways to do that.

Innovation Economy Symposium

The panel at the Innovation Economy Symposium in UCSD's Great Hall (photo credit: UCSD)

On Monday, I brought together leaders from business, education, and government to discuss how Congress can help foster growth in the innovation economy. The forum, hosted by UCSD Chancellor Pradeep Khosla, included my friend and colleague Steny Hoyer, the Democratic Whip. On the panel were Magda Marquet from BIOCOM, John Dunn from CONNECT, Holly Smithson from CleanTECH, Mark Cafferty of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, and Jerry Sanders from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The capacity crowd of more than 250 attendees heard various perspectives on how to create and sustain innovation job growth, including adequately funding scientific research, ending sequestration, and passing comprehensive immigration reform.

What do you think Congress should be doing to support the innovation economy in San Diego, and across the country? Tweet me your ideas by tagging @repscottpeters.

Visiting MCAS Miramar

I had the pleasure of touring Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, where I heard about their efforts to maintain mission readiness in the face of sequestration, their work to mitigate runoff from the runway and facilities, and how the beloved Miramar Air Show will continue this year as a more family oriented, interactive exhibition. Do you plan on attending the Air Show this year? Let me know on my Facebook page.

On the tarmac with MCAS Miramar Commanding Officer Colonel Farnam

Providing ACA Information to Small Business Owners

While I was not yet in Congress when the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted into law, the implementation of the ACA will continue over the next few months. Last week I joined with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide local small business owners with information and the opportunity to ask questions about how the ACA will affect them. Making sure that individuals and businesses have the most accurate resources available to them is necessary as ACA implementation continues.

Great turnout from local small businesses at the ACA information event.

Traveling to Israel & Palestine

The first week of this month I traveled to Israel for a policy centered trip with more than thirty other Members of Congress. Our group met with leaders from Israel, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres, as well as the Palestinian Authority to get a better understanding of the complex security situation as peace talks between the two sides resume. In addition to the policy meetings we were able to visit some of the region's Christian, Jewish, and Muslim holy sites.

Meeting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (photo credit: Israel Hadari)

Upcoming 'Congress on Your Corner' in Poway

This Saturday, August 31st, I will be holding my next 'Congress on Your Corner' event at the Poway Public Library from 10:30am - 12:00 pm. There will be time to ask questions and speak with members of my staff if you are having difficulty with a federal agency. Full details of the event can be seen here.

Staying in Contact

Please continue to let me know your thoughts on issues facing San Diego and the country. Feel free to email me or call my office at 202-225-0508 or 858-455-5550 if you have any questions, suggestions, or issues with a federal agency. For updates on what I'm working on make sure to 'like' me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter at @repscottpeters, or visit my website.

Sincerely,

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