Last month, I released my 2020 Casework Report, highlighting the work my staff has done to help our neighbors secure benefits and receive assistance from federal agencies. In assisting with more than 800 cases so far this year, my team has recovered over $284,000 for Angelenos in 2020 and over $1.17 million since I came to Congress in 2017.

In addition to fighting for your benefits, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to lend a hand with local groups during this crisis and for all the constituents I've met. Our community has been hit hard this year, but my office is here to help. If you need federal agency assistance or have questions about local resources, contact my office online or at (213) 481-1425.

Exide spent years contaminating our East L.A. community with lead, arsenic, and other toxins only to ask the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to leave their Vernon site with no responsibility for their actions.

Last month, Angelenos spoke out staunchly against this environmental injustice our Black and Brown neighbors are all too used to. I led my California Democratic Congressional colleagues in demanding the Department of Justice (DOJ) step in and hold corporate polluters like Exide responsible, requiring them to clean up their extensive contamination.

While the DOJ has since sided with Exide, I am continuing to fight this decision and secure justice for our East L.A. neighbors.

As this public health crisis continues, I've used my digital platform to connect with my colleagues and community leaders. Early in October, I spoke with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) on Facebook Live about our work on the House Oversight Committee and how we're working on more COVID-19 relief for working families.

K-Pop star Amber Liu hosted me on her new show to talk about the importance of voting and how immigrant communities can become more civically engaged.

Last month, I also spoke with my California colleague Ro Khanna (CA-17) about our plan to send direct cash payments to working families and our healthcare and climate change priorities moving forward in Congress.

Finally, I had a conversation with local chef Jocelyn Ramirez about how critical local restaurants are to our CA-34 community, my work to expand access to SNAP and tackle hunger, and our favorite Mexican eats.

COVID-19 has been devastating for working families across the U.S. as eight million Americans have been shoved into poverty by the Senate GOP's inaction. When so many of our neighbors are struggling, the government should be there to provide a safety net.

That's why I support the Emergency Money for the People Act to target relief during this crisis.

In 2020, Los Angeles once again proved that we are the city of champions. Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Dodgers for their NBA and World Series Championships.

As a lifelong Dodgers fan, I was thrilled to see Mookie Betts and the Boys in Blue take home our first title since 1988. The victory was even better knowing my Florida colleagues, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Congressman Charlie Crist (FL-13), will have to wear Dodgers masks when we return to Washington, D.C.