Dear neighbor,
It’s official: the Republican shutdown is now the longest government shutdown in history. House Republicans have been on six weeks of paid vacation while House Democrats continue to push for Republicans to join us at the negotiating table to stop the shutdown and save healthcare.
I was deeply moved visiting Meals on Wheels this week to see firsthand what they do to help vulnerable people in our community. Programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals and support to homebound, disabled, and elderly people in our community and around the country. Meals on Wheels relies on the kind of federal funding that the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans cut to fund billionaire tax breaks and Trump’s pet projects. To compound the suffering, Trump has refused to use all the money available to fund SNAP this month, stretching programs like Meals on Wheels even thinner as they try to help hungry community members. It’s simply immoral. The Trump Administration must follow federal court orders to use the emergency funds available to help hungry kids and seniors.
The consequences of this shutdown are becoming worse every day. Right now, air traffic controllers are working without pay. The FAA recently announced that they are cancelling more flights and passengers should expect longer delays. This is deeply concerning to me, and my heart goes out to all those impacted. I urge Republicans to end their vacations and work with Democrats to reopen the government.
I joined ABC Live on Wednesday to discuss these issues and demand better for the American people. You can watch below:
Republicans have all the wrong priorities right now. They control the White House, Senate, and House. However, they’re main focus is building a new White House ballroom and upgrading a Qatari jet for Trump. That’s why the American people sent a resounding message this week: we will not yield.
The support for Prop 50 shows that there are political consequences to politicizing fire aid, sending troops to our neighborhoods, and terrorizing immigrant communities. Californians joined the chorus of Americans to simply say: Republicans, stop attacking our communities and driving up the cost of everything.
I will continue fighting to end this shutdown and bring down costs for working people.
VETERANS DAY: Our veterans represent the best of America. We’re thankful to all those who’ve served and scarified so much for us. This Saturday, November 8, I’ll be having a virtual conversation with veterans, you can sign up to join here. As a reminder, in observance of Veterans Day, most LA County offices will be closed, but will reopen on Wednesday, November 12.
FOOD ASSISTANCE: LA County Parks offer free meals at park sites across the county. Visit here for more information and locations. Additional food assistance resources are listed in LA county’s weekly updates and resources here. Note: CalFresh benefits will be delayed for the month of November. However, recipients must continue complying with all reporting requirements to ensure benefits are issued promptly once they become available. You can find more information about the shutdown’s impact to CalFresh benefits here. For those concerned about the shutdown’s impact on housing and other assistance, you can call 2-1-1 for more information and resources.
My office remains open and working for you. Responses from federal agencies may take longer than usual, but you may continue to contact my LA office at (323) 651-1040 or visit our webpage here.
I look forward to updating you again soon.
Warmly,
Ted |
