Dear neighbor, 

My friend the late, great Congressman John Lewis once said: “Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” With Election Day coming up on Tuesday, November 8th, it is time to make a plan to vote if you haven’t already. In Los Angeles County, you can vote by mail, at a ballot drop box location, or in-person starting October 29th through Election Day. For more information, including your closest voting location, please visit lavote.gov.

Here’s a look at what I’ve been working on this week:

• Led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an update on the investigation into instances of antisemitism at the State Department.
• Issued a statement in solidarity with the people of Iran protesting for human rights, which details actions my colleagues and I are taking to support the peaceful protestors and hold Iran accountable.
• Celebrated the announcement that former Hollywood actress Anna May Wong will appear on the American quarter. She is the first Asian American historical figure to appear on U.S. currency.
• Was honored to receive a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Legislative Scorecard for my work advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Helpful Resources

Student Loan Forgiveness

Social Security Update

About 70 million Americans will get a 8.7% increase in their monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023 due to the cost-of-living adjustment. Beginning in 2023, for the first time in a decade, Social Security checks will increase while Medicare premiums decrease. I will always fight to protect and expand your Social Security and Medicare benefits. For more information on the Social Security increase, please click here.

Housing Assistance

Do you or someone you know need long-term assistance paying rent in the City of LA? The Housing Authority of Los Angeles is opening a lottery system for the Section 8 Waiting List, a program that helps low-income families afford safe and decent housing. Interested households can confirm eligibility and apply today at HACLA.HCVList.org.

COVID Booster Reminder

The CDC is recommending that everyone ages 5 and up receive an updated bivalent COVID-19 booster if it has been at least 2 months since your last booster or final primary dose. The updated booster provides broader protection against the newer Omicron variants.

For more information on my work in Congress, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our D.C. office at (202) 225-3976 or our Los Angeles district office at (323) 651-1040. 

I look forward to updating you again soon.

Sincerely, 

Ted W. Lieu 
Member of Congress