Congresswoman Susan Davis's E-Newsletter

October 2009

Dear Friend,

It’s turned cool and crisp and fall is in the air in Washington, but there are many hot issues being worked on in Congress.  The amount of passion and interest in our political dialogue - both from constituents of the 53rd District and from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle - is truly energizing and exciting.

On that note, talking and meeting with so many of you during the recent district work period was very rewarding and informative!  I’m glad so many of you were able to attend the variety of forums and workshops that I hosted all over the district.

Staying connected to and hearing from the residents of the 53rd District is very important to me.  If you would like to share your thoughts and opinions with me about federal issues or other matters of concern to you, please feel free to email me here, call my San Diego office at (619) 280-5353, or contact my Washington, DC, office at (202) 225-2040.

If you would like to be unsubscribed from this newsletter for any reason, please click here.

It continues to be an honor to serve you in Congress!

 

I. HEALTH REFORM UPDATE

Healthcare is still the number one issue in our country, as it should be.  In the House, we are working to finalize details of our health insurance reform bill.  The process has been an emotional one for all Americans, and it is important for us to channel this passion into change and reform that is practical and will protect us all a little bit more.  Meanwhile, the Senate is working to merge the different versions of a reform bill that its committees have been debating. 

As we lead up to the floor debate on the health bill in the House, it is important that we keep working toward reform that provides ways for the uninsured to obtain quality coverage and that we quickly do away with insurance discrimination for pre-existing conditions.  As you may know, the provisions of the House bill will not be fully implemented until 2013.  As a result of this, I have provided an amendment to the House bill that would extend COBRA coverage until the provisions of the health reform bill go into effect. 

At the same time, we should encourage healthier behavior in other ways, such as promoting healthy eating and exercise.  On this note, I am introducing the Diabetes Prevention Act, to help at-risk individuals from developing type II diabetes, which is tragically affecting millions of additional people every year.

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II. ECONOMY UPDATE

On a national level, the economy continues to show signs of recovery as the housing market slowly stabilizes and consumer confidence increases.  Still, these changes can be hard to see when San Diegans continue to feel the effects of our state’s high unemployment rate.

What is easy to see, however, is that the Wall Street executives who acted so carelessly to cause the recession should in no way be rewarded.  It was their reckless actions that forced Congress to pass the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to prevent an immediate economic collapse.  I share the outrage of many Americans when I read about sky high bonuses and multi-million dollar CEO salaries going to some of the executives at these companies now owned by the taxpayers – all at a time when most Americans can barely make ends meet. 

My colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee agree and are holding hearings and negotiations on legislation that will bring sanity to our financial markets. This will place commonsense regulations on the market and will create a new agency to ensure consumer interests are protected in the lending industry.  Also, President Obama is poised to take steps to limit the high salaries of executives at companies that took TARP funds.  I can assure you that I will continue to monitor this issue very closely.

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III. COURTHOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT

For many years I have been working in Congress to secure funding and authorization for the new San Diego Federal Courthouse annex.  I am now delighted to finally announce that the General Services Administration (GSA) awarded $295.7 million to begin immediate construction.  The project will create about 2,000 jobs in San Diego and greatly improve the efficiency of our judicial process.  As many of you know, the site for the new courthouse annex has been sitting empty and cleared for several years.

The existing San Diego courthouse is one of the busiest border courts in the country and was declared to have inadequate space by the Judicial Conference of the United States nearly six years ago.  It also faces major security challenges in processing its nearly 300 in-custody defendants per day.  The current facility has been in need of security upgrades, additional holding cells, and more space to accommodate added district judges.

This project is critical for San Diego's judicial system and for public safety, and it has the added benefit of creating jobs in our region.  As the courthouse annex moves into the construction phase, I am pleased that the vision of additional court space for San Diego is becoming a reality.  Groundbreaking is set for this December, with an estimated completion date of January 2013.

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IV. TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS

After hearing from many San Diego veterans that their education benefits and tuition checks have been tied up in red tape, I sent a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) asking for this issue to be resolved.  Soon thereafter, the VA announced its intent to send out emergency checks for tuition assistance. Checks for $3,000 are being distributed to veterans who have applied for their education benefits but have yet to receive them.  The emergency benefits became available October 2, 2009.  To learn more click here!

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V. POST OFFICE UPDATE

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor dead of night is supposed to keep the United States Postal Service (USPS) from its duties, but the current economic downturn is putting that creed to the test.  The USPS originally had five offices that serve our district targeted for possible closure.  These offices are an important part of our communities, and if they were to close it would have a significant impact on our neighborhoods, particularly our elderly and people with disabilities.  I received more than a hundred calls, letters, and emails about these potential closures.  In response to my constituents’ concerns, I contacted the United States Postmaster General to make the case that the offices should remain open and worked with the San Diego Postmaster to discuss the decision process for closures, find out what communities can do to keep them open, and to directly convey San Diegans’ concerns.

Three of the five post offices – Oak Park, Point Loma, and University City – have been removed from the list for closure.  I will continue to work with the USPS and local communities to keep North Park and Golden Hill offices open and maintain the vibrancy of the postal service.  Closing post offices is not the right answer - it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I also recently voted in favor of H.R. 22 to provide the USPS with an infusion of cash by reducing the amount it must pay right away into the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund from $5.4 billion to $1.4 billion for FY 2009.  The reduction will not affect current or future retirees, but it will greatly enhance the financial viability of the USPS.

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VI. STUDENT AID AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT

Building on the investment in education we have been making this session of Congress, the House recently passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA).  I was proud to cosponsor and support this bill which will strengthen our nation’s economic future by improving early education opportunities and making college more affordable. 

SAFRA reforms the student loan system by originating new loans through the government’s Direct Loan program.  This will reduce federal subsidies to private lenders and the $87 billion in savings from this will be invested back into the education system.

The final version of the bill included an amendment I added while SAFRA was being debated in the Education and Labor Committee.  My amendment directs the Secretary of Education to assume the federal student loan obligations that service members incur when they are activated in the middle of an academic term.  This means that our students in uniform don’t have to worry about whether they will have to pay additionally for courses they had to suspend in order to go on active duty. This is about fairness – service members who are activated while in school should not be charged for coursework for which they did not receive academic credit.

Overall, SAFRA will enable more of our young people to attend college or get career training to ensure that our work force remains the most highly skilled, cutting-edge and effective in the world. For more education information, please click here!

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VII. TWO RESOLUTIONS: HONORING OUR MILITARY FAMILY VOLUNTEERS AND HONORING OUR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

House resolutions are a way for Congress to show its united support for certain issues, people, or ideas.  I recently authored and introduced two such resolutions which passed the House earlier this month.  

The first was House Resolution 408 to Honor Military Family Volunteers and Ombudsmen.  These men and women give selflessly of themselves for no pay and little recognition, and often contribute their own resources to help and support our men and women in uniform.  They are some of the many unsung heroes who help keep our armed services functioning. 

The second was House Resolution 811 to support the designation of October 2009 as National Principals Month.  The principle force behind a successful school is often a good principal.  Principals’ jobs require them to wear many hats and dedicate long hours to their schools.  They do this energetically and enthusiastically, inspiring teachers and students alike along the way.

I was pleased to author and introduce these resolutions and to give these two groups the congressional recognition they so rightly deserve.

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VIII. CONGRESSIONAL PAGE PROGRAM

I am honored to have the opportunity to sponsor a Congressional Page from the 53rd District for the upcoming 2010 Spring Semester, and I am turning to you first.  Serving as a Page is a unique, enriching experience and a great way for a high school student to learn firsthand about the legislative process and how Congress works. 

I would appreciate it if you would help me spread the word and encourage qualified students you know to apply.  You will find more information and the application by clicking here!

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IX. GREEN INTERN GOES TO WASHINGTON

I’m thrilled to sponsor the first Congressional Green Internship.  This fall, University of California, San Diego (UCSD) student Mark Galvan is interning in my Washington, DC, office, as well as working with the Green the Capitol program and the Architect of the Capitol.  Mark is helping to maintain and expand green and sustainable practices in our offices.  He is an enthusiastic ambassador for UCSD, San Diego, and the green movement.

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X. INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Both of my offices are currently accepting internship applications for winter/spring 2010. Congressional internships are an excellent opportunity to learn about public service and gain valuable work experience, so please tell any qualified applicant you might know!

Interns field constituent inquiries, record caller comments, conduct research, draft correspondence, and assist staff members with a variety of special projects and public events.  These positions are unpaid but may fulfill college credits.  We give priority to students who live in the 53rd District, but all are welcome to apply. 

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to the appropriate intern coordinator: Quinn Dang in Washington, DC, or Nick Norvell in San Diego.  Please contact Quinn at (202) 225-2040 or Nick at (619) 280-5353 if you are interested in learning about internships in either of my offices.

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XI. SAN DIEGO EVENTS IN REVIEW

Healthcare Neighborhood Day

Over 1,200 San Diegans spent a hot Saturday in Spring Valley with me on August 29th at my Neighborhood Day on health insurance reform.  There were many comments and questions, and I outlined the health care solutions offered by the House bills. 

I’ve also been conducting multiple telephone town halls specifically on the issue of health insurance reform. So far I have called over 80,000 constituents to hear their stories and listen to their questions about the health reform efforts in Congress.  San Diegans are saying loud and clear that it is time to reform the parts of our health system that aren’t working.  You want coverage and care that is always reliable and affordable, and I certainly agree with you.  I will continue working in Congress to make this a reality.

Green Jobs Forum

San Diegans discussed training and job opportunities in San Diego’s growing green jobs sector at my Green Jobs Forum.  Panelists for the event included representatives from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, California Center for Sustainable Energy, CleanTech San Diego, and the San Diego Imperial Region Center of Excellence. Over one hundred residents attended to learn about opportunities in this new and growing industry.

Housing Clinic

Concerned homeowners found help at my 2nd annual housing workshop at the City Heights Center. The event, in partnership with the Housing Opportunities Collaborative, included assistance from HUD-approved housing counselors, Housing Opportunities Collaborative’s Home Clinic attorneys, real estate and mortgage industry professionals, housing counseling agencies, fair housing agencies, and other public agencies.  In addition, participants received information on legal assistance, consumer protection assistance, credit counseling, and fair housing resources.

Water Workshop

Since our region is particularly affected by water shortages, I held a water forum at the University of San Diego’s Joan Kroc Institute for Peace to discuss conserving water for outdoor use.  Representatives from the City of San Diego Water Department, the San Diego County Water Authority, the San Diego Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association, the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the University of San Diego’s Facilities Management Department discussed ways that homeowners can reduce their water usage and conserve this precious resource.  There were over 75 San Diego residents in attendance who helped make the event a great success.

Grants Workshop

In August, I hosted my annual grants workshop at the NTC Promenade Command Center.  This event provides resources and tips for organizations that are interested in securing private and federal grants.  This year’s workshop provided resources with regard to funding opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and included presentations from the San Diego Foundation, WebMD Health Foundation, San Diego Grantmakers and Non-Profit Management Solutions.  You may also find additional grant opportunities on my website by clicking here.

Credit and Identity Theft Workshop

Local experts joined me at the Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista to explain the federal reform of the credit card industry.  They gave advice as to how to build a better credit report and offered information on how to avoid, report and recover from identity theft.

To find out about future public events, please click here!

 

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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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