August 30, 2024

Meeting Students and Volunteers at the Hope School Backpack Drive

Back to school season is officially in full swing. I joined volunteers and faculty at the Hope School in Buena Park for a backpack giveaway, providing school supplies and shoes for students with special needs. This incredible project brought together local leaders, young people, police and fire departments, and many others. Best of luck to the students and staff of the Hope School, as well as students from all schools on another great year of learning.

Supporting Campus Infrastructure

Enhancing infrastructure is a critical piece of connecting people to their families, neighbors, schools, and businesses. In partnership with local leaders, I am thrilled to have been able to provide federal funds for construction of the Titan Gateway Bridge on Cal State Fullerton's campus. This new pedestrian bridge will ease the flow of traffic and give students and visitors a safer passage around campus. This is an investment not only in the future of our campus, but also in its students. I'm so proud to represent the community of Cal State Fullerton in Congress and will continue to fight for the needs of our students and families.  

Working for Small Businesses

Last week, I met with members of the U.S. and Brea Chambers of Commerce to discuss tax and business-related issues. Meeting with these Chamber leaders was a great opportunity to hear more about what small businesses are experiencing and the policies that would be beneficial to them. Burdensome taxes imposed on Californians have made opening and maintaining a business difficult.  To support  our local economy, it is essential to lift over-bearing taxes and regulations on the federal and state levels. In the U.S. House of Representatives, I'm proud to support policies that empower small businesses to thrive and expand in our communities.

Observing Overdose Awareness Day

Tomorrow, we observe International Overdose Awareness Day, when we remember our family, friends, and loved ones that have been lost to the tragedy of overdose. According to the CDC, the rate of overdose deaths has nearly doubled between 2002 and 2022, and these numbers are rising even still. Family after family is experiencing the loss of a loved one as a result of overdose. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are a leading drug in overdose deaths. This deadly narcotic has found its way onto our streets, into our schools, and in our own homes, and much of it arrives from the southern border. As Southern Californians, we have seen this crisis first hand. On Overdose Awareness Day, we remember how dire this cause is, and what is truly at stake for ending the flow of fentanyl.

Fighting for Taxpayers Against Fraud

Recent reporting proved that Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, who was responsible for California's state unemployment insurance program when over $30 billion was stolen by international fraudsters, wiped out a debt the State of California owed to federal taxpayers to pay back the fraudulent claims. She did this in her capacity as a federal bureaucrat, demonstrating a huge conflict of interest. This also came despite Su promising under my questioning before Congress that she had no plans to wipe out the debt.

Last week, I led my fellow lawmakers from California in demanding answers from Acting Secretary Su regarding this blatant conflict of interest. As of now, she has offered no answers. I will always stand up for taxpayers when government officials refuse to protect their hard-earned tax dollars, and am working to hold Julie Su accountable. Learn more from the Washington Times about efforts I'm leading in Congress to protect taxpayers and find answers. You can read my full statement on this matter here. 

What I'm Reading

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