May 31, 2024

Dear John,

As we conclude both the month of May and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I'm proud, as always, to be a voice for the AAPI community in Washington. I recently honored a standout group of AAPI leaders from our district who are making significant contributions to our communities.

Congress was out of session this week, and Memorial Day provided all of us an opportunity to reflect on the enormous contributions of our fallen heroes to the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

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.

Recognizing the AAPI Community

As we wrap up Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I'm proud to honor a few exceptional members of the AAPI community who live or work in the 45th Congressional District and have made significant contributions to our communities. These distinguished individuals were nominated by their fellow friends and neighbors as part of my office's 2024 AAPI of Distinction recognition, and include Californians from the worlds of business, education, and everything in between.

I was proud to recently honor this outstanding group at a ceremony at Cerritos College, and thanked them for their dedication to our communities. As one of the first Korean American women ever elected to Congress, I consider it a great honor to be a voice for the AAPI community in Washington.

View the Full List of AAPI's of Distinction

Honoring the Fallen

This past week we honored the humble sacrifice of the men and women who gave their life so that all Americans can be free. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the contributions of fallen members of the Armed Forces to our nation's tremendous story. Freedom isn't free, and as a first generation American, I am thankful to those who paved the way for my American dream and the liberties which we all enjoy.

Fighting for California Taxpayers

I recently joined my colleagues in Congress from California in urging Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend a gas tax increase set to take effect on July 1. Californians already pay the highest gas prices in the country, and Newsom's tax hike will only increase the pain we are feeling at the pump.

When combined with increases to the basic cost of living on President Biden's watch, this tax hike will be another gut punch to middle class families. Newsom should provide immediate relief for working families by suspending his July 1 gas tax increase.

Visiting With Constituents

I always enjoy being back home in our district attending events and meeting with constituents to listen to their needs and concerns. Recently I attended the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, a four-day gathering attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. This was the 64th year of the festival, and I had the honor of stopping by a pre-parade breakfast to visit with residents, community leaders and award-winning strawberry growers from Orange County - including the 2024 Strawberry Ball King and Queen!

What I'm Reading

Examiner: California House Republicans press Newsom to suspend gas tax increase

“For the past two years, we have urged you to suspend the gas tax, given the ongoing challenges faced by Californians that are forced to choose between filling their gas tanks and putting food on the table,” the letter states. “Our concerns have continued to be ignored while Californians suffer the consequences.”

"Fewer American parents are hanging on financially. About 64% of parents living with children under the age of 18 said they were doing all right financially in 2023, down from 69% in 2022, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve. That was worse than the broader response."

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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