May 21, 2021

Dear Neighbor,

Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, families and businesses are getting COVID-19 relief to overcome the pandemic. Individuals are eligible for direct payments to put money in your pocket like Economic Impact Payments, the Child Tax Credit, and Emergency Broadband Benefit.

Additionally, the federal government is giving funds to state and local governments to run community programs to help with housing, food assistance, small business support, COVID-19 prevention, and so much more. LA County received $1.9 Billion from the Rescue Plan for COVID related relief, and the cities within CA-44 received millions in funding as well. This was an important provision that I fought for, because local and state governments run many of the direct service programs that make a difference in the lives of people in our community.

Mask Updates

Last month, the CDC said it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to stop wearing masks outdoors, in almost all situations and  California/LA County have adopted those guidelines. Last week, the CDC gave guidance that fully vaccinated people might soon be able to forgo mask-wearing in most situations, indoor and outdoor. However, at this time, California and LA County are not adopting the new CDC guidelines until June 15.

All of this basically means that if you are outdoors in a non-crowded place in LA County, you do not need to wear a mask if you are vaccinated, but if you’re not vaccinated, keep that mask on. If you are indoors in a public space in LA County, masks must stay on for everyone, for now.

Vaccinations for Children Ages 12-17

On May 13, Los Angeles County vaccination providers made the Pfizer vaccine available to 12-15-year olds. Remember, all COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available to everyone, regardless of immigration status.

You do not have to be a member of the Harbor Community Health Center to receive the free vaccine there.

Homebound Vaccinations

Please call the LA County Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 if: 

• You, or someone you know, needs transportation to a vaccination site
• You, or someone you know, are homebound and needs to get vaccinated at home (availability may be delayed due to high demand)

The Call Center is open daily 8 am to 8:30 pm. Information is also available in multiple languages 24/7 by calling 2-1-1. Public Health also offers the following two links to facilitate requests for in-home vaccinations, for the public and for community-based organizations on behalf of homebound clients.

City of Compton Vaccination Site - Gonzales Park

Compton have partnered with Charles Drew University to bring Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to residents looking to be vaccinated. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the Pfizer vaccine. Walk-ups welcome! Bring ID.

VA Offering Vaccinations Nationwide

All veterans, their spouses and caregivers, and CHAMPVA recipients can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at the nearest VA health facility. No appointment needed and VA facilities that administer the COVID-19 vaccine are accepting walk-ins. Find out how to get your vaccine here.

COVID-19 Relief for Undocumented students

The Biden Administration has opened up COVID relief resources to undocumented college students. More information and resources available here.

In 2020, my office helped hundreds of constituents with federal agencies, leading to savings of more than $40,000 and awarding more than $540,000 in benefits. We helped constituents like Elizabeth (story below) receive their Economic Impact Payments, and we are ready to be of service to you. Please reach out by email, or call my office: (310) 831-1799.

DACA Renewals

Individuals who are eligible to renew their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and employment authorization may submit their renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration date on their current Form I-797, Notice of Approval, and on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

To check current USCIS case processing times, please visit the agency’s Check Case Processing Times web page. For more information on DACA, please visit the USCIS Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Frequently Asked Questions web pages.

Michelle Obama Public Library Reopening

The Michelle Obama Public Library in North Long Beach has reopened with limited capacity. Visits are limited to 30 minutes per individual. Long Beach Public Library To-Go services will continue for those who are picking up items on hold.

Grants to Upgrade Equipment and Reduce Emissions

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is accepting proposals for the Carl Mayor Program which provides funding to replace or upgrade heavy-duty vehicles and equipment with zero and near-zero emission technology. Public and private owners of heavy-duty vehicles, cargo handling equipment, marine vessels, and locomotives are eligible to apply by June 1st at 1:00 pm.

Food Giveaway in Lynwood

Save the Date! FREE Food Drive-Thru today, May 21 from 9:00 am-12:00 noon at Lynwood City Park (Community Center Parking Lot). This event is open to the public but is drive-thru only. No walk-ups. 

Votes

This week the House passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would strengthen our hate crimes laws and increase support for victims. This bill was developed in response to  the dramatic increase in hate crimes and violence against Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders taking place around the country, like the senseless and terrible mass shooting in Atlanta in March. 

We also passed a bill to create a commission to investigate the January 6th insurrection. The Commission would work to find the facts and the truth about what happened and provide recommendations to address the circumstances that led to the insurrection and the breach of our nation’s Capitol. I spoke on the floor in support of this bill.

We can’t move on from the violent Capitol riot until we know what happened, why, and make sure it never happens again. On behalf of our brave Capitol Police, the staff who serve our constituents, and all those dedicated to protecting our democracy, we must uncover the truth.

Legislation and Committee Work

Last week, I introduced the COVID Vaccine Transportation Access Act which would create a grant program to provide free transportation to help people get to COVID vaccine appointments and to appointments for any future COVID booster shots.

On Wednesday, I participated in the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy hearing on the Department of Energy’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. You can watch my conversation with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about energy equity and climate resilience here.

On May 12th, I joined Representative Jayapal in re-introducing the HEAL Act for Immigrant Families Act of 2021.This bill would remove barriers and restore coverage so immigrants in the United States can participate in health care programs. By ensuring that all immigrants can access affordable coverage for which they are otherwise eligible, this bill would also allow immigrant women and their families to receive the health care they need, and create healthier communities and a stronger economy.

In Community,