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Dear Neighbor,
It has been another busy week in Washington! Below are a few updates on how my office is working for you. As always, please be in touch if we can be of any assistance.
Restoring SALT Fairness
On Wednesday, I joined my House Democratic colleagues at a press conference advocating for the restoration of the full State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.
During the last year in which the SALT deduction was uncapped, more than 3 million families in California with an adjusted gross income below $100,000 claimed the deduction. As rising housing prices continue to lift property taxes to near all-time highs in our community, I know what an important difference the SALT deduction can make for middle-class families.
The SALT deduction is critical to supporting the middle class, and I will keep fighting to restore it.
Congressional App Challenge
This week, I announced plans to host the Congressional App Challenge (CAC), an app competition for students in middle and high school. The CAC encourages students to learn how to code through creating their own applications.
We need capable young people to pursue computer programming and STEM fields to meet the demands of the changing economy. I encourage all eligible students to participate in this challenge, regardless of their coding experience level.
The Challenge’s submission portal is now open. Students are encouraged to register online by September 10th before submitting their app by November 1st.
Winners will have their apps featured in the U.S. Capitol!
Read more about the challenge on my website HERE.
Legislative Update
H.R. 239 – Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act
This week, I was proud to vote YES on a bill that allows veterans to access co-pay free health services that are already available to other Americans. I know I'm not alone in supporting this important bill--9 out of 10 adults agree that everyone deserves access to contraception!
H.R. 983 – Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act
Whether purchasing a home, enrolling in school, or seeking health care services, veterans should be able to use their hard-earned benefits without the risk of fraud. This legislation would impose a fine and/or imprisonment up to five years for defrauding veterans.
H.R. 2922 – Elder Abuse Protection Act
Elder abuse is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. This week I voted in support of legislation that would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a permanent Elder Justice Initiative to coordinate the agency’s efforts to combat elder abuse, fraud, and neglect. The bill also calls for the creation of a national elder fraud telephone hotline and the publishing of online resources in both English and Spanish.
H.R. 1443 – LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act
According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ business owners add over $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy annually. Earlier this year, I was proud to lead on the Equality Act, which expands the prohibited categories of discrimination to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
This week, I voted in support of new legislation that allows information to be collected on how financial institutions are lending to LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Quick Reminders
- Do you know any outstanding North County San Diego or South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and make the country stronger? You can nominate these individuals to be recognized in our "Constituent of the Month" program by filling out the form HERE.
- I want to hear from YOU! Have you filled out my American Rescue Plan success stories form yet? I'd love to share your stories on how this relief helped you make ends meet, get back to work, keep your business, and more.
Remember to follow my Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages for the latest updates from my office.
Best,
Rep. Mike Levin
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