Newsletter - June 30, 2023

A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN KAMLAGER-DOVE:

Dear Friend,

The Court's decisions this week to end affirmative action in college admission decisions, restrict LGBTQ+ rights, and deny student loan forgiveness for millions of Americans further proves how out-of-step this activist Court is with the values of the American people. We desperately need Court reform to ensure it remains objective.

Last weekend marked one year since Roe v. Wade was overturned, and I recognized the anniversary during a discussion with the Grio on the disproportionate impact this decision has had on Black women across our nation. 

In addition to my comments on the Supreme Court, in this week's newsletter you will find updates on the state of our economy and resources about infrastructure improvements coming to Los Angeles, including expanded broadband and solar power, the Medi-Cal renewal process, and LA Schools' Universal Transitional Kindergarten.

THIS WEEK'S DECISIONS BY THE ACTIVIST SUPREME COURT

Yesterday's decision to end affirmative action was a blow to racial equality. The Court chose wrong. They chose to ignore race in a nation that has yet to accept its history rooted in racism. The future of our workforce depends on diversity and equity in education, and this decision by the conservative, MAGA Court makes this a more difficult mission. We have an obligation to reverse what they have done and defend the right to education and economic prosperity for all people. I will continue my work in Congress to achieve that end. 

To read my full statement on the affirmative action decision, click here.

Today, the Court issued two more unjust decisions, one gutting LGBTQ+ rights and another denying President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan. Pride Month is meant to be a celebration of LGBTQ+ love, acceptance, and contributions to our country, but today’s Supreme Court verdict is a blow to the LGBTQ+ community. In their ruling, they have fanned the flames of hate, division, and bigotry. As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I take the threats toward our LGBTQ+ community seriously. We need to enact legislation like the Equality Act to ensure that all Americans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

To read my full statement on the LGBTQ+ rights decision, click here.

The Supreme Court has again set millions of Americans back by denying the President’s authority to cancel federal student loans. This decision has put into jeopardy millions of financial futures, particularly harming low-income borrowers and borrowers of color. With payments set to resume this Fall, over 40 million people will be negatively impacted by this decision. Black, Brown, and Indigenous populations will continue to face greater financial burden, and families who have been desperately hoping for relief will again feel the pressure of a broken student loan system. The Administration cannot give up, and I urge that they keep working to deliver on student loan relief.

To read my full statement on the student debt forgiveness decision, click here.

THE IMPACT OF ABORTION RESTRICTIONS ON BLACK WOMEN

As we marked a year since the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, I sat down with the Grio to discuss its disproportionate impact on Black women. We have an obligation to unwind the Dobbs SCOTUS decision and protect the lives and health care of all women, especially Black women who continue to be impacted in its aftermath. 

I also joined FOX 11 LA to talk about the realities women are facing in America post Roe. I will not allow women’s stories to get ignored, and I plan on continuing to amplify their voices in Congress.

To read the full article, click here.

OUR ECONOMY UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN

House Democrats and President Biden continue to work together to create an economy that works for everyone, not just the well off and well-connected. Over 13 million jobs have been created during President's Biden's term, and inflation is falling faster in the U.S. when compared to our international peers. As funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law flows into our communities, we can expect to see lower costs and more good-paying jobs. To learn more about how the Inflation Reduction Act impacts costs for you and your family, click here.

EXPANDED BROADBAND ACCESS FOR CALIFORNIANS

Thanks to funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, California will receive $1.86 billion to help expand broadband internet access in underserved communities. Reliable internet connection empowers individuals to access vital education and training while also powering our economy. It is critical to connect people to necessary resources and one another! 

To learn more about expanded internet access, click here.

SOLAR POWER FOR OUR COMMUNITIES

Earlier this week, the EPA announced their $7 billion Solar For All grant program. Through this competition, Solar for All will award up to 60 grants to states, territories, Tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits to provide solar power to historically disadvantaged communities — enabling millions of low-income households to access affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy, creating jobs and advancing environmental justice.

To learn more about the Solar For All program, click here.

INVESTING IN AMERICA AGENDA IN CALIFORNIA 

The Biden-Harris Administration recently launched Invest.gov to widely publicize  interactive maps with national, state, and local data that demonstrate the implementation of the Investing in America agenda, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. In addition, it provides data on private investments that these laws helped generate and information on how these programs provide jobs and lower costs for Americans. 

This site will be updated regularly as House Democrats continue to make sure these programs reach Americans across the nation and propel us into a future of innovation and improved infrastructure. To see how California is impacted, click here.

MEDI-CAL RENEWAL PROCESS

Medi-Cal has resumed its renewal process as of April 1, 2023, aiming to redetermine eligibility for approximately 15 million Californians. An estimated two to three million enrollees are expected to no longer be eligible for Medi-Cal and may qualify for alternative coverage options, including Covered California. To learn more about preventing lapses in coverage, click here.

UNIVERSAL TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN

CA-37 parents – if your child will be 4 years old by September 1 of the school year, they may be eligible for LA Schools' free Universal Transitional Kindergarten. To find out more, click here.

As always, I encourage you to contact my offices with any comments or concerns about my work in Congress, the 37th District, or any other matters. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up to date on my work in Congress. If you are experiencing issues with Social Security, passports, immigration, or another Federal agency, send in a casework request, and my staff will be happy to assist you. 

Sincerely,

kamlager-dove.house.gov