April 5, 2024

Dear John,

Today is Gold Star Spouses Day, a day to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have lost a spouse serving in the line of duty. We owe these spouses our deepest gratitude. I am thinking of and praying for all the Gold Star Spouses in Southern California and across the country.

This week, I introduced legislation to improve access to telehealth services for non-native English speakers, met with healthcare and local leaders in our community, and launched a new opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals in Southern California.

Get the details about all of this and more below, and make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and X to get these updates in real-time.

Expanding Access to Mental Care

As an immigrant who speaks English as my third language, I know how challenging it can be to navigate language barriers to get the services you need. Most of my constituents primarily speak a language other than English at home. For them, and for millions like them across the country, it is critical that we provide a pathway towards increased access to behavioral health care at a time when there is a mental health crisis in this country

That's why this week, Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Susie Lee (D-NV), and I introduced the Expanding Language Access in Telehealth Act. The legislation seeks to improve access to telehealth services by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop best practices to improve language access for patients with Limited English Proficiency, specifically when seeking behavioral health care via video-based and audio-only telehealth.

Learn More

Nominate an AAPI of Distinction

From business leaders and educators to healthcare professionals and community service providers, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Southern California is as remarkable and impactful as it is diverse. We are fortunate to have such dedicated and talented friends and neighbors in our area.

In anticipation of AAPI Heritage Month in May, my office is asking for your help to honor some of these incredible individuals as distinguished citizens with our 2024 AAPI of Distinction Nominations. Please visit the link below to learn more about who is eligible and submit a nomination.

Learn More and Submit a Nomination

Collaborating With Local Leaders

I had a great meeting with City Managers and Mayors from around the 45th Congressional District. I'm glad to partner with these local leaders and especially proud that we were able to secure over $27 million dollars in funding for local priorities!

Health care access is an important issue for our district. I met with local health care professionals to discuss ways we can improve behavioral health care services including how my COMPLETE Care Act can improve patient access to care.

ONE WEEK LEFT: Submit Work to the Congressional Art Competition

My office is accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. If you know a talented young artist who should have their work displayed in the Halls of Congress, this competition is for them!

Submissions are open through April 12th, at 3:00 PM. The competition is open to middle and high school students from the grades of 6th - 12th. The school must be located in California’s 45th District, or the student must reside in the District.

Learn More

What I'm Reading

Americans for Tax Reform: Biden Weakens $400k IRS Audit Pledge

"President Biden’s IRS audit pledge is becoming increasingly worthless. Biden and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had promised not to increase IRS audits on households and small businesses making less than $400,000 per year."

"Grocery prices were up 1% in February from a year earlier, Labor Department data show. They were up 10.2% in February 2023 versus a year earlier, and were up 1.2% in February 2019 from a year earlier."

Read More

Thanks for taking the time to read about what I've been doing on behalf of Southern California families. Be sure to connect with my official Facebook, X, and Instagram pages, where I post the latest news and updates. It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress

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