Dear Neighbor:

This week has been challenging on a number of fronts. After 20 grueling years, the United States military stopped fighting in the war in Afghanistan. I believe this action was an important step towards ending U.S. involvement in endless wars, something I have called for throughout my time in Congress. I commend our men and women in uniform who bravely served in Afghanistan during the last two decades, and all those who helped as many people as possible evacuate under dangerous conditions. I supported the former President’s decision to initiate withdrawal from Afghanistan and I supported the current President’s decision to finish the withdrawal. I’m praying for the United States and for servicemembers and veterans as we close out this difficult chapter in our nation’s history. Please read my full statement on Afghanistan. 

After more than a year of remote learning, students are returning to the classroom again. I’m pleased that the American Rescue Plan, which Democrats in Congress passed, and President Biden signed, delivered a historic $15 billion investment to California K-12 schools.

As the new school year begins, it’s important to take steps to ensure your kids and family remain safe and healthy. While kids under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccines, there are ways to help keep them safe until they can get vaccinated, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, playing outside, and more. Please also remember that indoor masking is required for everyone at K-12 schools in LA County regardless of vaccination status. Please click here to view reopening protocols for K-12 schools and here to watch LA Public Health’s town hall on schools.

Get Vaccinated!

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. If you have questions about the vaccine, please consult your doctor. 

Everyone age 12 and older who lives or works in LA County is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Please check VaccinateLACounty.com for updated information on walk-in vaccinations or to book an appointment ahead of time. To find a vaccination site near you, please visit corona-virus.la/VaxSites. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed consent form to receive the Pfizer vaccine. 

If you have a disability or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also call this number or fill out an online request form if you or a family member need to be vaccinated at home. 

Additional Resources and Reminders

1. Wondering what to do if your child has tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19? Please view these next steps from LA Unified School District.
   
   
2. If you’ve been impacted by the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant Spill, you may be eligible for reimbursements for air condition unit(s), hotel room stays, and/or meals. LA Sanitation’s reimbursement program has been extended once again for eligible residents through September 9th, 2021. For more information on how to apply, please click here. 
   
   
3. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and after an incredibly difficult period for many, it's more important than ever to be there for each other. If you are having thoughts of suicide, you are not alone. Please text NAMI to 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to someone who can help – 24 hours a day.
   
   
   
   
4. Do you need help paying rent or utilities? Income-eligible renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 can apply for 100% of unpaid rent & utilities at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122. Apply before eviction protections end on September 30th, 2021!
   
   
   
   
5. Forging or possessing a fake COVID-19 vaccination card is a crime and puts our community at risk. If you’ve noticed suspicious activity involving a fake vaccination card, please report it here.
   
   
   
   
6. Please renew your passport at least six months before it is set to expire. The State Department is processing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals. If you plan to travel abroad, please ensure your passport is up to date. To renew, please visit travel.state.gov.
   
   
7. This month is National Preparedness Month, a good time to make sure you and your family are prepared in the event of a wildfire or other natural disaster. For tips on how to plan, prepare, and stay aware, please visit fire.ca.gov or readyforwildfire.org. Please also sign up for alerts here. 
   
   
8. If you need someone to talk to, please call the LA County Department of Mental Health hotline at 800-854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741.
   
   
9. If you are in need of food assistance; housing relief; information about COVID-19; and more, please call 2-1-1 or visit 211la.org.

As children return to school and we move forward on our path to recovery, we must continue to follow public health guidance to keep our community safe. If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated to protect yourself and others. For more information on COVID, the vaccines, and my work in Congress, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress