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October 11, 2024
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Dear John,
Our region is so fortunate to be home to many amazing schools, businesses, and community resources, but it's not without hard work.
This week, I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate the milestones and achievements with our schools and community organizations. I will always be proud to represent CA-45 in Congress and fight for our values.
Additionally, my office is currently accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Challenge until October 24. This nationwide competition encourages middle and high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. Our congressional district had three outstanding winners last year, including Gavin-kai Vida, Christopher Vu, and Angad Batra. Apply today!
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.
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Celebrating Our Nation Blue Ribbon High School
Quality education is critical to the development of our children and the success of our communities. In Southern California, we are fortunate to have so many incredible schools that play a key role in student success.
This week, I celebrated with students and faculty at Whitney High School in Cerritos on their recent recognition as a Nation Blue Ribbon School. This award from the Department of Education distinguishes Whitney as an exemplary school and a role model for other institutions. I met with some of Whitney's hard-working students and faculty about their success.
Congratulations to the students, faculty, and staff of Whitney High School on this huge achievement!
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Providing Critical Mental Health Care
Yesterday was World Mental Health Day, a day to remember that mental health is a critical part of our health care system. These resources can be pivotal to many people struggling with their mental health, especially at-risk populations like our foster youth.
I was proud to sponsor the Foster Youth Mental Health Support Act, which would require states to provide foster youth with mental health services. The foster youth population is particularly at risk, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has cited mental health resources as their largest unmet need. I'm thrilled that this legislation has passed the House, and I will continue working on policies to enhance child welfare. Read more on this legislation here.
While celebrating World Mental Health Day remember, you are never alone.
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Celebrating 30 Years of the Cerritos Senior Center
I recently had the opportunity to celebrate some of the beloved senior citizens of our district at the Cerritos Senior Center. For over 30 years, the Cerritos Senior Center has provided a gathering space and hub of community for the region's senior population, hosting everything from charity events to civic action, to community outreach.
This milestone for the center is a testament to the contributions it has made and the lives it has enhanced.
This week, I had the joy of visiting the center and meeting some of the staff, volunteers, and seniors who have contributed to its success.Congratulations to the center on 30 years!
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Nominate A Veteran of Distinction
Even after completing military service, veterans of our community do amazing work in making Southern California a better place to live through hard work, community outreach, and civic involvement.
With Veteran's Day approaching, my office wants to honor some of these incredible men and women with the "Veterans of Distinction" Award.
Visit here if you would like to nominate a veteran who lives or works in CA-45.
The deadline to nominate a deserving veteran is today!
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Condemning Antisemitism Around Us
The Santa Ana Unified School District was recently exposed for pushing antisemitic curriculum in their schools. After learning of this, I immediately joined Education and Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx in calling on President Biden’s Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to investigate the school district for potential civil rights violations. All students should feel welcome and respected in the classroom. The next generation must not be influenced by antisemitism in the classroom.
We cannot allow hatred to be sowed in our K-12 classrooms, and a federal investigation will uncover facts and hold Santa Ana officials accountable for developing curriculum with prejudiced motives.
You can read my letter to Secretary Cardona here and my full statement here.
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What I'm Reading |
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Nearly 900,000 fentanyl pills seized in Orange County drug busts
"Nearly 900,000 fentanyl pills are out of circulation thanks to two busts by Orange County sheriff's deputies and California Border Patrol. The Vehicle Interdiction Pipeline Enforcement Resource (VIPER) Task Force made the seizures last month, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. In the first bust on Sept. 12, deputies stopped a driver on the 5 Freeway in San Clemente. They found more than 442,200 fentanyl pills, along with significant qualities of fentanyl powder, methamphetamine and cocaine."
Read More
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CBO estimates $1.8 trillion US deficit for fiscal 2024
"The Congressional Budget Office estimated on Tuesday a U.S. federal deficit of $1.834 trillion for fiscal 2024, the highest in the post-COVID era, as debt interest costs jumped sharply and outlays rose for Social Security, Medicare and health insurance tax credits.
The estimate, which precedes the U.S. Treasury Department's year-end budget report later this month, shows a deficit up 11% from the $1.7 trillion fiscal 2023 gap but slightly lower than the $1.9 trillion deficit estimated in June by CBO."
Read More
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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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