March 19, 2021

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Dear Neighbor,

This week’s senseless shooting in Atlanta has left me sad and angry. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, who include six Asian women. I stand with my Asian brothers and sisters to denounce anti-Asian violence and hateful speech of all kinds. Sadly, racist attacks against Asian Americans existed long before the pandemic and have only intensified during the past year. 

The pandemic has left us with a lot of healing to do, both physically and within our communities. The increase in anti-Asian racism over the last year is unfortunately another example of how far we have to go to recover not just from the pandemic, but from the divisiveness and inequalities laid bare over the last year. The pandemic and the response to it have, once again, revealed hatred and inequality in the United States.

That’s why I am fighting for equity in healthcare and vaccinations, and also for environmental, social, and economic justice. We had several votes and committee hearings this week in D.C. that could help us move closer to that goal.  

Meanwhile, resources from the American Rescue Plan are starting to get to the people, bringing much needed relief like direct payments, funds for community health clinics, resources for state/local governments, and housing funds to communities like ours. This newsletter discusses the rollout of the relief plan, resources like rent relief, 2020 tax filing information and more. 

Have you received your direct payment $$ yet?

Track Your Direct Payment $$ 

This week, the IRS opened an online tracking tool to check on the status of your federal relief payment provided by the American Rescue Plan.  

Medical experts overwhelmingly endorse all the vaccines currently in use. They are all safe and highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Here’s a thread of my great conversation with Dr. Oliver Brooks of Watts Healthcare Corporation where he shares thoughts about vaccine effectiveness and safety.

Check out this CDC page for more info on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines and why you should absolutely get your shot when your time comes! 

Had a chance to visit a vaccination clinic in Wilmington this week. Grateful to all of the healthcare providers who are working so hard to keep our communities safe.

Vaccination Sites and Updates

Saturday, March 20, 10 AM – 7 PM 

Prevailing in Christ Ministries 

1609 E. Del Amo Blvd. Carson, CA 90746 

This vaccination event is open to all LA County residents/workers who are 65+ and those younger than 65 who work in emergency services, education, childcare, food services or agriculture. Johnson & Johnson vaccine provided. 

Call (310) 604-9939 to schedule an appointment or ask questions. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Walk up or drive through. 

March 24 - 25 

St. John's Family & Wellness Center 

111 E. Artesia Blvd. Compton, CA, 90221 

 
Open to members of all currently eligible groups as specified by LA County (see link). 

Appointments are required. Lynwood residents can call (310) 603-0220 to schedule an appointment. Leave a message with your name and call back number when City Hall is closed and staff will return your call. All other residents can call St. John’s clinic at (866) 980-0870. 

Lynwood seniors can learn about free transportation to the vaccination site here. 

 
When going to a vaccination appointment, remember to bring ID, proof of residence, and proof of eligibility or employment, as applicable. For guidelines on requirements for different workers or categories, click the appropriate link here: Healthcare worker, Food or Ag worker, childcare or education worker, emergency services worker, high risk age 16-64. 

 
If you are receiving a second dose, remember to bring your vaccination card. Additionally, while the COVID-19 vaccine is given at no cost to you, it's a good idea to always bring your health insurance card if you are insured. 

Remember, Myturn.ca.gov and VaccinateLACounty.com, are the major online appointment hubs to look for and schedule appointments in LA County. Please check them frequently. 

Veteran Vaccination Information   

Tax Filing & Federal Extension to May 17th

Due to the complexity of the last year, the IRS has announced that the federal income tax filing  is extended to May 17. If you need assistance with your tax return, you may be able to receive assistance from the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA tax clinics are for low-income families and are free. Here is more information.  

The State of California’s Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service has information regarding COVID relief and taxes.

Food Distribution at Roosevelt Park in Florence-Firestone 

Come by Roosevelt Park (7600 Graham Ave., Los Angeles, 90001) on March 23 from 9 AM - 12 PM for a free food giveaway. Drive up only. Wear a mask. 

FBI Job Recruitment 

 
The FBI needs Special Agents who come from a broad range of backgrounds and career fields and who bring unique skill sets that complement their mission-critical work. They are hosting an LA virtual career fair and have jobs posted here. For more information visit www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths/special-agents. 

National Environmental Justice Advisory Council nominations OPEN 

The EPA is accepting nominations for appointment to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). They are seeking to fill seven vacancies for one-year terms beginning in September 2021. The nomination process for NEJAC Membership is open until March 24, 2021. The EPA encourages individuals to self-nominate. For questions regarding the NEJAC nomination process, please email: nejac@epa.gov. 

Home is Here: Votes This Week

This week I was proud to vote for the Dream and Promise Act and the Farmworker’s Modernization Act. Those who were brought to this country by their parents and know this to be their home deserve a path to citizenship. Those who work hard to feed America deserve a path to citizenship. Glad these bills passed the House with bipartisan support. 

The House also passed two bills regarding women’s equity. H.J.Res. 17 would remove the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, which would add a prohibition on sex discrimination to the Constitution. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1620) would  improve services for victims of domestic violence and other types of gender-based violence.

Committee Work 

During Wednesday’s hearing with Department of Homeland Secretary Mayorkas, I discussed the travesty of deporting non-citizen veterans and the importance of granting citizenship to veterans who have served this country.  

The Committee on Homeland Security passed my Strengthening Local Transportation Security Capabilities Act of 2021 with bipartisan support. Domestic terrorism is top of mind right now, and this bill aims to improve security at our nation’s airports, railways, and mass transit systems and reduces emergency response times by placing federal law enforcement officers and resources near high risk surface transportation assets. It can now be considered by the full House. 

On Thursday, the Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change had a hearing on the policies to reduce industrial pollution in the CLEAN Future Act, and a just transition for fossil fuel workers. You can find my remarks here on the important of investing in climate solutions that support a just transition.  

In Community,