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Dear ,
It's already February– the month of Arizona's statehood. Below, please find a few reminders and updates on my work for the residents of Arizona’s First Congressional District.
Creating a Healthier Future for Today and Tomorrow's Generation
I penned an op-ed for USA Today to explain that America's declining health, particularly obesity, is placing a massive strain on the nation's fiscal health and physical health, with projected health care costs reaching up to $9.1 trillion over the next decade. It is high time that Congress stops enacting policies that incentivize unhealthy living and economic inactivity, which only further exacerbate this crisis. Improving Americans' health is crucial for reducing national debt and ensuring a better future for coming generations.
Recognizing Some Amazing Citizens of AZ-01
The VFW Post 720 hosted an open house to honor the completion of their newly renovated VFW Casita. This was a total renovation which started in November 2024, and thanks to generous donations, volunteers were able to restore this casita back into a comfortable home. The casita will be used for temporary housing for veterans in need.
I am so beyond grateful for VFW Post 720 putting in work to ensure that veterans are protected the way they've protected our country. Sometimes, the most painful part of a veteran's transition is the waiting period, and I'm touched by this project that creates a cohesive, welcoming environment for our veterans in need.
Social Security Upcoming Educational Webinars
Did you know Social Security offers free workshops? Readers can find the workshop schedule at www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org under the “Calendar” tab. Using search term “Medicare” will list all workshops for 2025. These free, live sessions include Q&A, so please pass along this information to those in your network that may have questions regarding their Social Security benefits or Medicare coverage.
For February, topics include things you should know if your child with disabilities turns 18, we update you on scams, talk about the Medicare “General Enrollment Period:” and advise those turning 70 years of age and have not collected Social Security.
In addition, the free retirement planning educational series on Social Security and Medicare is provided in partnership with The Area Agency on Aging Phoenix (Arizona’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP) and hosted by The Phoenix Public Libraries. Click on the link below to register or call the library at 602-262-4636 for a phone-in option.
2024 Income Tax Brackets, for Taxes Due April 2025
The 2024 federal tax brackets apply to your income from 2024, which you’ll report on the tax return that’s due in April 2025, or October 2025 with an extension. (It’s crucial to keep an eye on tax deadlines, especially if you owe money to the IRS.)
For 2024 taxes due in 2025, the seven income tax rates are: 10 percent, 12 percent, 22 percent, 24 percent, 32 percent, 35 percent and 37 percent.
Health is Wealth: 2025 Recipes from The Juice Lady
Ginger Carrot Soup
Ingredients
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 large sweet onion (about 1 ½ cups chopped)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 cups carrots, chopped (about 5 large carrots)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoon lemon juice
3-4 cups vegetable stock
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Red pepper flakes, optional for topping
Chives or green onions, chopped for topping
Instructions
- Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and grate ginger.
2. Add coconut oil to a large pot over medium heat. Let melt.
3. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and chopped carrots and cook about 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the ginger, lemon juice, and 3 to 4 cups of vegetable stock depending on the desired consistency.
6. Bring to a boil then cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook until carrots are soft, about 20-30 minutes.
7. Let cool for five minutes then transfer to a high powdered blender. Process it in batches as needed.
8. Blend until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Top with red pepper flakes, chopped chives, or chopped green onions as desired.
**A note from the nutritionist: "Ginger offers amazing health benefits. Studies have shown it inhibits inflammation due to compounds like gingerols and shogaols. It also contains compounds that inhibit cancer-signaling pathways. It can also reduce leukotrienes, which promote joint inflammation," -Cherie Calbom, MS
Better, Faster, Cheaper: How Innovation is Expanding Optimism for the Future
Many of you know my fascination with innovation and the further implementation of technology into different facets of many industries. The up-and-coming innovation is extensive, and luckily, there are thousands of scholarly studies and research pieces being released daily that expand on progress of these projects. Not enough members of Congress take the time to capitalize on how these innovative advancements actually promote the health and well-being of our society. This segment dives deeper into technological implementations that are actively making life better and cheaper for our brothers and sisters. |