April 15, 2014

Dear Friend,

In addition to meeting with San Diegans visiting D.C., and working on legislation, there were a few items I wanted to highlight from my last few weeks in Washington. This week, I am back in San Diego and looking forward to spending some upcoming time engaging with constituents like you and visiting local businesses and military installations.

Equal Pay Day

Last Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, the date when women's wages finally catch up to what men were paid in the previous year. In the 52nd District women still earn just 75 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. Closing this wage gap is not only the right thing to do - it would help women and families across the country. As a supporter of legislation to end gender based discrimination, it seems only common sense to me that women should earn equal pay for equal work.

The women on my staff joined me in marking Equal Pay day last week.

Leader in Healthcare Innovation

I have been a vocal advocate for innovation and technology in healthcare as a way to bend the cost curve and support our local economy. In the last year, I have introduced two bills in Congress to promote the use of existing wireless technology in federal healthcare programs. It was an honor to receive the Visionary Award from the California Healthcare Institute in recognition of my work in this field.

Fighting for our Seniors

Over the last year I've worked with a bipartisan group to stop the proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage, a program that more than 189,000 San Diegans rely on for their health and well-being. In the last few weeks, I spoke on the House floor, met with senior White House officials, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to argue against these cuts. I was pleased that last Monday it was announced that the cuts would not come into effect.

Click the image above to see my floor speech about protecting Medicare

Recent Opinion Pieces

As we lead up to Earth Day later this month, I've written two opinion pieces about the need for more sustainable energy and addressing a changing climate through community planning and preparedness. The first highlights how California and San Diego are leading the way in the solar industry, which is creating jobs across the state and increasing our use of renewable energy. You can read it here.

The second is a call for the country to begin addressing the root causes of climate change, while we simultaneously prepare ourselves for the extreme weather events that are becoming more common including wildfires, drought, and rising oceans. You can read that piece here.

Stay Connected

I hope you'll stay connected with what I am working on. Like my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, add my Google + page to your circles, or visit my website for more information.

One of the most important jobs I have in Congress is providing a number of constituent services. As always if you have any questions, are having trouble with a federal agency, or want to weigh in on a particular issue, feel free to email me or call either of my offices at 202-225-0508 or 858-455-5550

Sincerely,

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