Friends,

This week marks one year since COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic. Our country and our world has experienced extreme loss and suffering over the past year. My thoughts are with all of you — everyone has been touched by this devastating pandemic, but we will join together on the path towards recovery.

California has been one of the hardest hit states over the past year. With vaccine distribution increasing now, hope is on the horizon, but we must remain committed to keeping our communities safe. I encourage you all to continue wearing masks, social distancing, and following guidelines provided by our health officials.

We’re also at a pivotal moment in passing legislation that will provide much needed support for Americans across the country. The House has officially passed the final version of the American Rescue Plan and President Biden will sign it into law on Friday.

There’s a lot of information circling about the bill, but I want to make it clear that House Democrats worked hard to develop an expansive bill to help our country and our communities recover. Here’s what it includes:

• $1,400 stimulus checks to millions of Americans — putting money into the pockets of people who need it the most.
• Funding to help families pay rent and stay in their homes.
• Support for small businesses to keep their doors open.
• Funding for vaccine distribution and testing capacity in every community across the country.

As a member of the House Budget Committee, I personally advocated for the needs of American families and businesses in the formulation of this bill.

Today we remember the half a million lives lost to COVID-19 in the U.S., and strive to continue keeping each other and our communities healthy.

We will recover and rebuild together.

Thank you,

Scott