Dear Neighbor:

September is National Preparedness Month – the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared in case of a wildfire. As we’ve seen over the last few years, and recently with the Caldor Fire, California is experiencing longer, more severe fire seasons. For tips on how to prepare for wildfire season, including protecting your home, assembling an emergency kit, and more, please visit lafd.org/ready-set-go and readyforwildfire.org.

More intense fire seasons and other extreme weather events happening across the globe underscore the urgent need for action on climate change. I’m pleased to support President Biden’s Build Back Better plan to move toward a clean energy future with the goal of reducing carbon emissions 50% from 2005 levels by 2030. We must act now to protect our planet for future generations. Please read more about my work on climate and the environment here.

COVID-19 Updates

Yesterday, President Biden outlined a robust plan to build on our progress, stop the spread of Delta, and increase vaccinations. The plan reflects the Administration’s whole-of-government approach and unwavering commitment to defeat the virus at home and abroad.

The Path Out of the Pandemic Plan includes a vaccine mandate for all federal workers and contractors, and a requirement that companies with 100 or more employees must mandate vaccines or regular testing for employees. In addition to vaccinating the unvaccinated, the plan also focuses on further protecting the vaccinated; keeping schools safely open; increasing testing and requiring masking; protecting our economic recovery; and improving care for those with COVID. The President promised the American people that he’d do everything in his power to defeat the virus. That’s what he’s done – and this plan builds on that and pushes us further.

My Work in Congress

This week, I joined Chairman Nadler and other Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee in calling on Attorney General Garland to use the full force of the Justice Department to defend a person’s constitutional right to choose an abortion, which is currently under assault in Texas. I am pleased the Department of Justice has sued Texas over its extreme abortion law, which effectively bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest and creates incentives for neighbors to report on one another and sue each other.

I also led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Egypt. I am particularly concerned about the ongoing crackdown against independent journalists and media. Right now, hundreds of websites are blocked and at least 28 journalists remain behind bars simply for doing their work, suffering from inhumane conditions. My letter urges the State Department and the Biden Administration to use the full range of tools at their disposal to put meaningful pressure on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and his regime.

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

BACK TO SCHOOL: Parents – are you wondering what your child’s school is doing to protect them from COVID-19? Please click here for some questions you can ask your school about their COVID precautions.
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.
Eligible renters and landlords in the City of Los Angeles can now apply for emergency assistance through the State at HousingIsKey.com or by calling 833-430-2122. Please apply before eviction protections end on September 30th. If you’ve already applied, the LA Housing Department will reach out via email or phone to clarify next steps.
In a new report, scientists found that pregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19 were at higher risk of hospitalization and death than nonpregnant women with symptomatic COVID-19. Vaccines are recommended for people who are pregnant. If you’re expecting, please speak with your health care provider about ways to stay safe.
If you’re looking for federal small business resources, such as PPP loan forgiveness information and guidance on preventing the spread of COVID in the workplace, please visit this one-stop shop: covid-sb.org.
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.
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.
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.

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

Unsubscribe | Privacy