Dear John,

This week I sat down with KCRA to discuss the issues impacting Sacramento County.

During the interview we talked about my 7th Annual Brain Health Forum, funding for law enforcement and other community project funds, work to lower costs for families, and protecting access to life saving medical care.

That's a lot to cover in 5 minutes. I believe one of the most important responsibilities as your Representative is to clearly communicate the direct impact of our work in Washington and in the district for local families and workers.

I would like to take a moment to expand on a few things. It continues to be an incredible honor to represent you in Congress, and I hope you will share your thoughts and priorities with me at https://bera.house.gov/survey

Be well,

Ami Bera, M.D.

Breaking Down the Issues

Funding Community Projects in Sacramento County

As your congressman, one of my most important jobs is making government work for you. That's why I’m proud to support the Appropriations Committee's Community Project Funding (CPF) process that allows members of Congress to use their knowledge of the communities they represent to recommend funding for qualified, high-quality community projects in their congressional districts.

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Sacramento area residents is one of my top priorities. That's why I'm proud to announce that I was able to secure $520,000 in Fiscal Year 2022 CPF funding for the Elk Grove Police Department’s Communications Center Renovation. This funding will be used to upgrade and integrate their Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) into the police department’s Communications and Dispatch Center.

Rep. Bera and community leaders at the Capital SouthEast Connector ribbon cutting.

As a lifelong Californian, I know access to alternative routes for bikers and pedestrians is a great way to encourage healthier options of transportation for community members. I am happy to share that I requested $4,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 CPF funding for the Capital South East Connector - D3a Class I Multi-Use Path.

The project will construct a new 3 mile stretch of regional Class 1 Multi-Use path that would be parallel to White Rock Road in Folsom. The project would close an active transportation gap by providing connections to existing bicycle facilities on White Rock Road and expand the growing Sacramento regional bike and active transportation network. I will continue working to make sure this funding makes it across the finish line.

For more on Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding, visit Bera.House.gov

Rep. Bera Hosts 7th Annual Brain Health Forum

As a doctor and the former Chief Medical Officer of Sacramento County, I have seen the emotional strain, financial hardship, and long-term impact that Alzheimer’s has on families and loved ones.

One of the scariest aspects for any patient or family receiving a diagnosis is not knowing what comes next or which resources are available to them. Click here for more information.

Access to Rabies Treatment (and Halloween Idea) 🦊

The CDC estimates that 60,000 Americans receive PEP each year after possible exposure to rabies. Although rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease, costs for patients can be high, with treatment ranging from $1,200 to $6,500.

After being bit by a rabid fox, I was fortunate to have access to readily available, low-cost vaccines.

That's why I was proud to introduce comprehensive legislation to reduce the costs of rabies post-exposure treatment for uninsured individuals. The Affordable Rabies Treatment for Uninsured Act would establish a program to reimburse health care providers for furnishing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to uninsured individuals.

The entire incident has even inspired a last minute Halloween costume idea!

Please know that my local office is always here to assist you. We may be able to help you retrieve backlogged veteran's benefits, fix issues with Social Security and Medicare, get stalled tax refunds or passports, and much more. Click here to learn how my office can help you or give us a call at (916) 635-0505.

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook for my latest updates from Congress.

It's an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Be well,

Ami Bera, M.D.
Member of Congress