Dear neighbor,

This week, Donald Trump addressed Congress and the nation for about 100 minutes. He could have used this time to talk about real issues like inflation or disaster aid. Instead, he bragged about raising indiscriminate tariffs that will increase prices, firing critical workers that provide Social Security benefits, and buddying up to dictators like Putin.

It’s shameful. He promised a “golden age,” but the numbers show we’re entering a Trump slump. Inflation has increased, consumer sentiment is down, and the unemployment rate has increased. There are even predictions that our economy is going to shrink.

MAGA extremists are falling in line with the President. They are continuing to lie about their radical budget that rips away health care and food assistance from millions of Americans – all to fund tax giveaways for billionaires.

It’s important to bring attention to how these devastating cuts will impact our communities. That’s why I invited Dr. Shannon Whaley to be my guest for the joint address this week. Shannon is the Director of Research and Evaluation for PHFE WIC, the largest nonprofit WIC nutrition network in the US, serving more than 190,000 low-income individuals. I sat down with Shannon to break down the facts – programs like WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid serve communities all across this country. Cutting these vital programs would harm the health and wellbeing of millions of children and families.

I’m honored to stand with leaders like Shannon who speak up and share stories that truly matter. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight back and protect underserved communities.

STANDING UP FOR VETERANS: During his long-winded speech on Tuesday, Donald Trump didn’t spare a single word for our veterans or the challenges they face. His Administration’s reckless and blatantly illegal firings of veterans are a slap in the face to those who have served our nation with honor. Following Trump’s address, I stood alongside Democratic leadership to elevate the voices of veterans who have been unjustly fired and harmed by his cruel, misguided spending cuts. This Administration is attacking our veterans. Democrats stand united in opposition to this callous disregard for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL (YAC): Students in grades 9-12 that live in or attend school in CA-36 are now able to apply for my Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The YAC works directly with my staff to collaborate on key issues for young people. Apply here! Additional opportunities for students include the Congressional Art Competition and our summer internship program.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY: LA County Public Health has issued an advisory to avoid water contact at all LA County beaches until 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall. More information can be found here.

FIRE RECOVERY: LA County’s fire recovery center can be found here at  recovery.lacounty.gov. Please keep in mind deadlines for various forms of assistance are due as soon as March 10. Our office’s recovery resource guide remains available at lieu.house.gov/fireresources.

I’m honored to work for you every day. Please don’t hesitate to call my LA office at (323) 651-1040 to see if we can help.

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Warmly,

Ted