On Medicare's Anniversary, Peters Keeps Working to Strengthen and Protect It

 

San Diego -- Protecting and strengthening Medicare and Medicaid are among Rep. Scott Peters’ top priorities in Congress. Today, on the 49th anniversary of their creation, Peters reaffirms his commitment to them and reminds voters of his work to make sure seniors continue to have access to affordable and reliable health care.

Peters is a member of the Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force and was recently recognized by a  health-care advocacy group for his work to keep prescription drugs affordable for seniors.

“Medicare and Medicaid are a lifeline for many seniors,” Rep. Peters said. "Seniors who have spent decades paying into them deserve the peace of mind of knowing the benefits they’ve earned through a lifetime of hard work will be there for them.”

In sharp contrast, Carl DeMaio has praised Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposal that would turn Medicare into a voucher program.

Peters has taken numerous steps during his first term in Congress to make sure seniors have health-care security. He successfully fought against drastic cuts to the Medicare Advantage Program by meeting with a group of leaders including White House officials and the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

His successful efforts to protect Medicare’s Part D affordable prescription drug coverage earned him praise from the Healthcare Leadership Council, which wrote: “Thanks to Medicare Part D, seniors and the disabled get coverage plans. And thanks to Representative Scott Peters, we can all still rely on that.”

Rep. Peters also voted to ensure that doctors continue to receive reimbursements that allow them to provide Medicare recipients with high-quality health care. And he co-sponsored the Preventing and Reducing Improper Medicare and Medicaid Expenditures Act, which helps keep these benefits sustainable by cracking down on fraud and abuse.

Over and over again, Rep. Peters has been clear and vocal in his opposition to turning Medicare into a private voucher system, noting that such a system will produce a spike in out-of-pocket healthcare costs for seniors.

Robin Is Everywhere Campaign Comic Con 2014

 Dates of event:  July 23 - 27, 2014

Location:    In and around Children’s Park, Downtown San Diego

Description:   The Robin Hood Tax can mean slightly less for the 1% at the top and lots more for the 99% below. In order to help spread this message The Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street USA will be maintaining a presence outside of Comic Con 2014.

Organizers bring fight for community services to your hands by asking that the crowd become a hero and support the campaign and show Wall Street that “Robin is everywhere!” This action is about turning a fantasy into a reality, by asking people to “be a hero” and support a Robin Hood Tax. Strategically located in-between Comic Con and the Gaslamp district in beautiful Children’s Park, we will be costumed and offering fun for all ages. Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1423262124622563/
  
During the daytime, Robin Hood Tax USA volunteers will be set up in Children’s Park with an information booth Thursday 2p - 6p, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10a - 6p.
There, we will be handing out economic justice themed posters, offering a “Be A Hero” photo stand-in opportunity, a “Flush Wall Street” toilet themed dunk tank, chariot-led theater performances, and more. During the evenings, Overpass Light Brigade San Diego will be showing projections and holding lights. These nighttime events are between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday.

About the Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street:

The Robin Hood Tax is a tax on Wall Street that would go to support schools, hospitals, and job development. The Robin Hood Tax on Wall Street can be the game changer for a fairer, more democratic, humane, balanced, and moral American Tax System.

https://twitter.com/RobinHoodTax
https://www.facebook.com/RobinHoodTaxUsa
https://www.youtube.com/user/robinhoodtaxUSA

Assemblywoman Gonzalez Applauds Gov. Brown’s Nomination of Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar to State Supreme Court

 

SAN DIEGO – (Tuesday, July 22, 2014) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) made the following statement today in response to Governor Jerry Brown’s nomination of Stanford Law Professor Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar to the California State Supreme Court:


"I’m beyond excited to learn of Gov. Brown’s nomination of Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar to the State Supreme Court. Professor Cuéllar would be the first Latino immigrant to the State Supreme Court in modern California history. This is not just a nod to ethnic diversity, but it’s a recognition of the diversity of experiences in our state that makes California one of the most dynamic places in the world. Professor Cuéllar brings wide-ranging experience from an accomplished career to this important position and is well-qualified to serve, a forward thinker, and – most importantly – a Stanford Cardinal. I commend Governor Brown on his choice, and look forward to Professor Cuéllar's tenure on the Court."


Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, and serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Women and the Workplace. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/ .

Gov. Brown Signs Gonzalez’s Assembly Bill 2347 to Protect Seniors During Investment Process

 

AB 2347 requires annuity policies to be accompanied by a ‘know your rights’ disclosure to properly inform consumers of their option to seek a timely refund

SACRAMENTO – (Tuesday, July 22, 2014) – California Governor Jerry Brown announced this week that he signed Assembly Bill  2347, authored by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), to better protect seniors by improving disclosure rules for the purchase of annuities.

The bill's changes to current disclosure rules will take effect on January 1, 2015.

"After unanimous support in the Assembly and Senate, I'm proud that Governor Brown signed AB 2347, my bill to better protect seniors when purchasing annuities,” Gonzalez said. “Requiring a ‘know your rights’ disclosure on these policies represents important progress to make seniors more aware of their rights to a refund, safeguard their retirement security, and standardize the process for all parties for a smoother and more reliable system."

Currently, customers who purchase immediate annuities are often unaware of their right to revisit their decision to purchase an immediate annuity, according to the Department of Insurance. This scenario often arises once customers, who are typically senior citizens, discuss their purchase with their immediate family following the transaction and reconsider their decision.

Current law does not require disclosure language for immediate annuities free-look period. Additionally, the current disclosure language for life insurance and annuity products are inconsistent and confusing for senior citizens.

AB 2347 requires that immediate annuity disclosure language is made available on the cover page of these policies. Additionally, AB 2347 requires the policies correctly refer to modified guaranteed contracts as fixed annuities rather than variable, adding in brackets to allow the insurer to select only the applicable product type that was purchased, and adding other clean-up terminology.  These changes would not only simplify and clarify the disclosure for customers, but would also provide clarification to insurers about their disclosure obligations.

This bill will ensure that senior citizens have proper disclosure to avoid possible future financial hardship. 

AB 2347 was passed by the Senate on June 30, 2014 by a vote of 36-0, and passed by the Assembly on July 3, 2014 by a vote of 76-0. The bill was supported by the California Department of Insurance.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, and serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Women and the Workplace. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/ .

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE JAMES KIMBER TREATING HOMELESS VETERANS AT STAND DOWN

 

San Diego, CA – July 18, 2014 – James Kimber, candidate for California’s 50th Congressional District will be treating homeless veterans at the Veterans Village of San Diego 27th Annual Stand Down on Friday, July 18, 2014.

There is a long history of Navy Medicine in Kimber’s family. His grandfather was a Navy surgeon stationed on the USS ARIZONA (BB 39) in 1939 and later with the 4th Marines in Shanghai. His father was a Navy surgeon stationed on the USS BELLEAU WOOD (CVL 24) during WWII. James Kimber served 20 years on active duty in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. Currently he is a Physician Assistant practicing Neurosurgery at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA. As the Senior Medical Officer aboard two combat warships (USS ELLIOT DD-967, USS REID FFG-30), Mr. Kimber is all too familiar with Emergency Medicine and treating those who have served.

Mr. Kimber is alarmed at how veteran’s needs are being neglected and feels we as a country owe them more. Mr. Kimber worked Stand Down last year as a provider and was shocked at some of the patients he treated. “I had to admit five people to a local hospital and three of the patients I saw needed emergency surgery. One veteran was walking around with a 104 degree temperature. Another veteran’s blood sugar was over 500. I say over 500 because that’s as high as the machine could read. Normal blood sugar is 70-100”.

Mr. Kimber is appalled at the recent problems within the VA system, but also knows they are not really recent, but only recently brought to the attention of the public. One of Mr. Kimber’s top issues as a candidate has always been for better care for our veterans by addressing the antiquated system used by the Veterans Administration, lack of mental health support, the lack of providers and facilities for veterans to seek treatment, the rising number of homeless veterans and violence against women in the military.

Kimber has 30 years of healthcare experience is on Medical Staff at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, CA.

For more information, please visit our website http://www.kimberforcongress.com/

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Fresh Proof That DeMaio is Tea Party's Guy

 

Carl DeMaio once famously labeled the Tea Party the “conscience of the accountable government movement.” This week brought fresh proof that the affection is mutual and that DeMaio is the Tea Party’s guy.

DeMaio’s Tea Party fans and other far-right supporters are pouring money into the race for the CA-52 Congressional seat. Here is only a partial list of the radical-fringe groups investing in DeMaio’s campaign, according to fundraising reports released Monday:

 -- Koch Industries Inc. PAC, the political action committee of the Koch Brothers, who have spent decades advocating extremist positions such as abolishing Medicare and Social Security.

 -- Eye of the Tiger PAC, run by Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, a member of the Tea Party Caucus. Scalise also chairs the House Republican Study Committee, the group of right-wing firebrands infamous for “prizing ideological purity.”

 -- Voice for Freedom PAC, run by Rep. Tom Price of Georgia, a member of the Tea Party Caucus. Price accused President Obama of a “Chicago-style shakedown” after the President pushed for BP to pay for the Gulf of Mexico clean-up stemming from its disastrous oil spill.

 -- The Support to Ensure Victory Everywhere PAC, run by Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio, who in a Tea Party questionnaire once proposed “eliminate(ing) the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Interior, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy and others to return to a constitutionally pure government.”

 -- Road to Freedom PAC, run by Rep. Ed Royce of California, a member of the Tea Party Caucus and an opponent of marriage equality.

 -- Rep. Sam Johnson of Texas, whose website boasts that he has been “TEA approved by the Texas Tea Party Alliance” and who has pushed for a Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

 -- The Lynn Westmoreland for Congress PAC, run by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia, a member of the Tea Party Caucus and co-sponsor of a 2013 Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

“Clearly the Tea Party recognizes a kindred spirit in Carl DeMaio, which is why they’re investing so heavily in his candidacy,” said Alex Roth, communications director for the Scott Peters for Congress campaign. “The question is what these groups will expect in return if DeMaio is elected to Congress.”

The Koch Brothers have taken an especially keen interest in this race. Their Americans for Prosperity PAC has run more than $145,000 in TV ads against Rep. Peters since October 2013. In no other California Congressional race has this right-wing PAC spent money on TV ads this election cycle.

Rep. Peters Votes to Prohibit Internet Access Taxation

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement after helping to pass H.R. 3086, the “Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act,” which would make the current moratorium on state and local taxation of internet access permanent:


“Expanding access to the internet for every American must be a priority for Congress. Keeping government out of the way by permanently prohibiting taxation of internet access protects this vital tool for people across the country. The internet is the portal to learning, business, and information in both urban and rural communities, and it must be kept open for all.”

Rep. Peters is also a cosponsor of the legislation.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology.  He was named the fourth most independent Democrat by National Journal last year. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.

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Rep. Peters Joins CA-52 Residents Testifying at House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on PTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) temporarily joined the House Veterans Affairs Committee to hear the testimony of Dr. Howard and Jean Somers, Coronado residents, at its hearing “Service Should Not Lead to Suicide: Access to VA’s Mental Health Care.” The Somers’ son Daniel suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and tragically committed suicide in June, 2013. Since their son’s death, the Somers have been tireless advocates for the need to fix the VA system, preparing a twenty-five page report with recommendations based on their experience and research.

“I want to thank Howard and Jean Somers—not only for their participation in today’s hearing, but for their continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of our veterans and their families,” Rep. Peters said. “Their work in the face of such a tragedy is an inspiration to all of us. I have never met any veterans’ advocates more dedicated to sharing their unique perspective, raising awareness for the invisible wounds our servicemembers suffer, and committed to making a major impact on the way we care for our veterans.

“The Somers’ experience highlights the unacceptable, systemic problems with the way the VA delivers care. As a country, we have failed these men and women, and their families, who sacrificed so much to serve. I look forward to continuing my work with the Somers to fix these problems and provide our brave man and women with the care they deserve.”

Watch Rep. Peters’ recognition of the Somers in the House Veterans Affairs Committee HERE.

Recently, Rep. Peters joined the Somers at their inaugural “Operation Engage America” event held in San Diego, an annual forum during PTSD Awareness Month to bring attention to PTS and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by educating veterans about local resources.

Congressman Peters serves the 52nd District of California which covers much of central San Diego County including Poway, Coronado, and large portions of the City of San Diego.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology.  He was named the fourth most independent Democrat by National Journal last year. The Congressman is a former environmental attorney, City Council President, and Port Commission Chairman.

Update from ICWJ regarding Immigrant Children Relief

--UPDATE from ICWJ--

First and foremost, thank you for the outpouring of “stuff” that was donated during this week!  See a few of the photos in this email.  WOW!!!!!   What a tribute of love and compassion.  Your donations are being dispensed to refugee families now and will continue to be as long as there is a need.  We cannot thank you enough!

There are a very few items that are still needed if you would like to make a donation:
    1.    Women’s underwear of all sizes (NEW ONLY)
    2.    Women’s socks of all sizes (NEW ONLY)
    3.    Feminine Hygiene Products

You can bring these items to our ICWJ offices, 3758 30th Street, San Diego, 92104.  Some of us are in the office between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.  To be sure, give us a call before you come, 619-584-5740.

If you have collected other items, please bring them this Saturday, July 12th to the fabulous Fiesta Del Sol from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. -  in Barrio Logan on Logan Avenue between Cesar Chavez Parkway & South 26th Street.

Secondly , we are working with government agencies to provide support and comfort to the families who are arriving in San Diego County.  We have NO unaccompanied children arriving here .  All those who are coming to our region will be families.  More than 90% of the families are being reunited with family members already living in the states, mostly in the Eastern and Southeastern part of the country.  The stateside families are so excited to get the call from their relatives and are arranging transportation for them right away!  

We are in need of two things right now.
    1.    Volunteers who can help transport families to the bus station on their way to reunite with family.  If you have some time and would like to volunteer, please email us at Elizabeth@ICWJ.org.  Send us your name, phone number, and email address.  Spanish speakers are heartily invited and non-Spanish speakers are great as well.
    2.    We are seeking people who can host a family for up to 10 days.  If you have a room with access to a bathroom, a guest house, granny flat, or basement apartment and are willing to host a family for three to ten days, please contact RabbiLaurie@ICWJ.org.
We will continue to stay in touch about how we can support the families that are coming through “America’s Finest City!”.  Your outpouring of concern and support helps to relieve the humanitarian crisis!

Thank you and blessings,

Rabbi Laurie, Lisa, and your ICWJ staff

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Tours Facility Holding Unaccompanied Refugee Youth from Central America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Evan McLaughlin
Phone: (619) 850-2790

OXNARD, CA – (Tuesday, July 8, 2014) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, participated with other members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus to tour and observe a facility housing hundreds of unaccompanied  Central American refugee youth at Naval Base Ventura County. Assemblywoman Gonzalez made the following statement in response to her observations:

“Today, I had the opportunity to tour the Ventura County facility for unaccompanied refugee youth from Central America.

“I was pleased to see clean, adequate dorms and even happier to see content, well-behaved children – learning English and exercising – awaiting reunification with their parents and families in the United States. The Ventura County facility is just for 13- to 17-year-old youths who have a family member or sponsor already identified in the United States. I remain concerned about the younger children who can’t communicate their situation as easily and the youth who have come fleeing violent circumstances in their native country without a family here.

“The youth housed at the Ventura County facility are processed quickly, about two weeks in and out. The 575 kids we saw today, and others like them, should have the opportunity for due process in immigration court and not just be immediately deported. I’m hopeful our President will require the federal government to continue to abide by the 2008 law that processes these refugee youths in a manner that includes this due process.”

To interview Assemblywoman about her experience at the Ventura County facility or about the unaccompanied refugee youth from Central America, please contact Chief of Staff Evan McLaughlin at (619) 850-2790.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, and serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Women and the Workplace. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/ .

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DeMaio Went Missing in Action on Prop. 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2014
CONTACT: Alex Roth, 619-228-3253

San Diego -- Yesterday California officially repealed Prop. 8, the infamous ballot measure that outlawed same-sex marriages. Here's a reminder of what Carl DeMaio did to oppose this discriminatory law: Nothing.

In 2008, DeMaio refused to take a public stance on Prop. 8 when the controversial measure was on the California ballot. Not only that, while running for San Diego mayor in 20102 he took campaign contributions from some of Prop. 8's biggest supporters. http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/may/14/carl-demaio-talks-about-his-bid-mayors-office-san-/

He convinced one such Prop. 8 supporter, Charles LiMandri, to back his mayoral candidacy by promising that he "would not push the gay agenda issues (including same-sex marriage)" as a "condition of [LiMandri's] support," according to San Diego CityBeat. http://www.sdcitybeat.com/sandiego/blog-906-why-an-anti-gay-zealot-is-backing-carl-demaio.html

DeMaio's refusal to fight against LGBT discrimination is one of the reasons he was booed at the 2012 San Diego Pride Parade. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/19/demaio-has-a-rocky-relationship-with-the-gay/

Rep. Peters, meanwhile, has been fighting for marriage equality since he first ran for City Council in 1999. At the time the controversial 'Knight Initiative (Proposition 22) was on the ballot. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_22_(2000) He opposed the measure even though he was running in a more conservative, Republican-leaning district. He served on the City Council from 2000-2008, and as council president, led the effort to have the Council join an amicus brief arguing that Prop. 8 was unconstitutional.

"Carl DeMaio has been missing in action when it comes to fighting for LGBT equality; he didn't oppose Prop. 8, and he refuses to call on Speaker Boehner to bring ENDA to the House floor," said Alex Roth, communications director for the Peters for Congress campaign.

Roth added, "DeMaio seems to think that if he puts his fingers in his ears, closes his eyes and hums, he can ignore these critical civil-rights issues by pretending they are only insignificant 'social issues.' But members of Congress vote on these matters. The public deserves to know where he stands and what types of votes he will cast in Congress."

Refugee families need our help!

This is from the Interfaith Center for Worker Justice of San Diego County

We are working closely with other organizations to see how we can help refugees who are coming to San Diego.  San Diego is receiving roughly 140 refugees every three days for processing.  Refugees are then sent to other parts of the country where they have family or friends.  As Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are processing these families they are in urgent need of the following. 

 

• Baby Wipes
• Baby Formula
• Baby Bottles
• Baby Food (plastic containers if possible)
• Diapers All Sizes
• Anti-bacterial lotion/dispensers
• Coloring books
• Crayons
• Soft toys for small children
• Playing cards for older children and maybe puzzles
• Small Towels
• Small Soaps

 

These families are not just coming to the U.S. for "a better life", many are fleeing unimaginable violence and persecution in their home countries. They are arriving at our border, presenting themselves to officials, and requesting asylum.  This is not just about immigration, it is indeed a humanitarian crises. 

 

Items can be dropped off this Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at:

Alliance San Diego
3750 30th Street, San Diego, 92104 (In North Park on the corner of 30th Street and Gunn Street)

The ICWJ office is right next door so stop by and say hi if you come by.

 

PLEASE share this with others - we're going to need lots of help over the next few weeks.  Feel free to contact ICWJ with any questions.

Governor Signs Weber Bill Protecting Persons with Disabilities from Abuse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                                                    
CONTACT: Joe Kocurek
(619) 655-8330
July 3, 2014             

Weber’s Legislative Package Progresses through Senate

 

SACRAMENTO- Governor Edmund G. Brown signed AB 2379, legislation introduced by Assemblymember Shirley N. Weber, that increases the ability of abuse prevention teams to identify potential risk of abuse by caregivers for older or dependent adults. This bill, sponsored by the County of San Diego, is the first of Weber’s 2014 legislative package to be signed into law. 

Assemblymember Weber also announced that eight of her bills have advanced in the Senate:

•  AB 938 - Prohibits the imposition or increase in the amount of  ‘student fees’ on state university campuses unless approved by a majority vote of the students voting on the campus, and provides for a committee composed of students, faculty and administrators to oversee the expenditure of funds where imposed. Status:  Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.
•  
• AB 1719 – Requires the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide the Legislature with a feasibility study and implementation plan for providing full-day
• kindergarten statewide. Status: Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.
•  
• AB 2009- Streamlines the Board of Equalization’s (BOE) sales tax audit process by allowing businesses in good standing to conduct their own sales tax audits with BOE supervision. This saves time, reduces disruption to business operations and frees up BOE resources for pursuing ‘bad actor’ businesses. Status: Passed by Legislature to the Governor’s Desk.
•   
• AB 2067- Streamlines reporting requirements for the Urban Water Management Plan by shortening the list of requirements from fourteen to seven. Status: Passed by Senate and sent to Assembly for Concurrence in Senate Amendments.
•   
• AB 2376- Decreases the operating costs for small businesses with state contracts - including women, minority and disabled veteran-owned businesses - by reducing the required insurance deductible from $25,000 to $10,000. Status: Passed by Legislature to Governor’s Desk.
•   
• AB 2380 – Will ensure the input of parents and decision-making committees is included in the formation? of school districts’ student achievement plans under the new Local Control Funding Formula. Status: Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.
•  
• AB 2591- Establishes a state policy that will enable social services to provide basic material needs for homeless children identified in public schools. Status: Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.
•  AB 2617- Prohibits forced arbitration clauses from preventing individuals from pursuing legal action for violations of their civil rights. Status: Passed by Senate Judiciary Committee to Senate Floor.

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New grants will drive innovative affordable housing in San Diego

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edward Lopez, LISC San Diego
(619) 528-9058 or elopez@lisc.org

LISC San Diego, JPMorgan Chase join forces to support high-impact development plans

SAN DIEGO (July 2, 2014) – The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is helping expand the amount of good rental housing available to low-income families with grants to two of San Diego’s top nonprofits working to revitalize troubled communities.

City Heights Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Community HousingWorks will split $100,000 in early action funding, having been selected through a competitive process that considered the long-term implications of affordable housing proposals.  The grants are unique because they both help get construction and rehab efforts off the ground for particular projects and fund development models that can be replicated by others working to address the city’s growing housing needs.

The grants are part of national funding from JPMorgan Chase to help make sure low-income families can find safe, decent homes within their means.  San Diego is a priority market for the grant program.

"Expanding access to affordable housing isn't just the right thing to do – it is a part of a smart, effective strategy for improving entire communities," said Alice Carr, West Regional Manager for Chase Community Development Banking. "LISC has been promoting that approach for decades and we are proud to support their efforts to expand this work throughout San Diego," added Carr.

City Heights CDC, for instance, will acquire and rehab a “Huffman 6-Pack”—a catch-all term for the small, 1970s-era housing developments known primarily for their poor design and deteriorating quality. There are thousands of such apartments in low-income neighborhoods across San Diego.  City Heights CDC is building an efficient rehab model that will make it easier for developers all across the city to improve the quality of these properties and, in the process, make the surrounding neighborhoods better places to live.

“The ‘Huffman’ multifamily properties in City Heights--with their two-story monolithic façades and expansive concrete parking in front--stand in ugly contrast to the attractive craftsman houses that line our streets,” said Kenneth Grimes, executive director at City Heights CDC.  “We are developing a plan to turn these apartments into quality homes and blend them into the surrounding architecture—all as part of our larger efforts to revitalize our neighborhood,” he said.

Community HousingWorks (CHW) is taking a different tack with its grant, using it to build 138 affordable apartments for seniors as part of a new complex that offers on-site health services for residents. The project is part of an intergenerational master-planned community in Oceanside and will help CHW create a model to integrate housing and health care in new development efforts.

“This grant will help us provide much needed housing and supportive services for seniors in our community,” said Sue Reynolds, CEO of CHW.  “In fact, as part of our overall development, the project will specifically provide 27 homes for formerly homeless or disabled veterans. The need for those veterans’ homes is particularly great here in San Diego County.”

Edward Lopez, LISC’s executive director in San Diego, pointed to the innovative approach both City Heights and CHW have taken.  “This funding does more than support one or two specific projects.  It is helping these organizations create a set of best practices that will help inform and accelerate other efforts to address severe affordable housing needs in San Diego County,” he said.

This funding is the latest in a long partnership between JPMorgan Chase and LISC. To date, the bank and its foundation have worked with LISC to deliver $53 million in grants, $110 million in loans and $2 billion in tax credit equity for affordable rental housing and commercial development nationwide.

"Affordable housing is the heart of our Building Sustainable Communities work to improve the quality of life in neighborhoods all across the country," noted Larry Oaks, LISC’s national vice president of housing. "We share JPMorgan Chase’s goal to make sure families can raise their children in safe, decent homes while we help boost the economies of disadvantaged neighborhoods. This grant program will have a significant impact on how well people live and what opportunities they have in the future.”

About LISC
LISC, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, combines corporate, government and philanthropic resources to help nonprofit community development corporations revitalize distressed neighborhoods. Since 1980, LISC has invested $13.8 billion to build or rehab 313,400 affordable homes and apartments and develop 51 million square feet of retail, community and educational space. For more, visit www.lisc.org.

In San Diego, LISC has invested $212 million to support and rebuild communities throughout the region. These investments leveraged another $843 million to build and rehab nearly 6,000 homes affordable homes and one million square feet of commercial, retail and community space in low-income neighborhoods. For more, visit www.lisc.org/san_diego/.

About JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

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F*'ing Bullshit

This has been cross posted from Phat Jim's  Politics and Religion: Bullshitting with Friends

So I go away for a weekend in Connecticut and while traveling across the country, all hell seems to break loose - the Supreme Court comes down with its decision in Hobby Lobby.  And suddenly, I'm getting emails from people saying, "Phat Jim, where's your opinion on the Hobby Lobby case?" Well, here goes. . .

According to Wikipedia, corporations have existed since Roman times (500 AD or so), and in the one thousand and five hundred years of corporate existence, it wasn't until yesterday that a court in any jurisdiction held that a corporation can have sincerely held religious beliefs. Indeed, Henry Ford was sued by his shareholders for giving corporate money for charity.  So to clarify, a hundred years ago, a corporation giving to charity was controversial.  So, to say that this decision was judicial activism is understating things a great deal.

But there is something even worse about allowing a corporation to have religious beliefs - its allowing corporations to VIOLATE FEDERAL LAW BECAUSE IT CONFLICTS WITH THOSE BELIEFS. Now, keep in mind that if an individual does this - say, a Native American takes peyote as part of a religious ceremony, and fails a drug test as a result - its still deemed a violation of federal law, and the feds can come after the people.  By the way, that's not an outrageous example, but a case that the Supreme Court decided in an opinion written by Scalia.  Did Scalia dissent on the basis that this opinion overturns the reasoning of his earlier opinion? Of course not, because fuck people.

Or rather, fuck women. You see, not only does this opinion COMPLETELY change over a 1000 years of Anglo-American jurisprudence, not only does it give corporations rights individuals do not have (to ignore federal laws it opposes), but the Supreme Court tries to limit the opinion to birth control pills, which are used by virtually every woman in America at some point in their lives. If Hobby Lobby had objected to paying for vaccines, or blood transfusions, or insulin (which is produced by pigs), Hobby Lobby would have lost. Why? Because unlike birth control, the Supreme Court agrees with the science of those medicines.  Birth control, meanwhile, is kinda-sort of-not really believed by Hobby Lobby (more about that later), to cause abortions.  This is not the case - birth control prevents conception.  Regardless, Hobby Lobby can ignore federal law and science because it thinks birth control pills are abortion pills.  And because vaginas are icky, I guess.

By the way, Hobby Lobby's claim that it has a deeply held religious belief is complete and total BULLSHIT.  Until 2010 (before Obamacare required employees to pay for health insurance), it not only provided health insurance, but purchased health insurance that covered birth control.  That's right kids, Hobby Lobby voluntarily purchased health insurance that covered birth control pills.  Which makes sense, given that Hobby Lobby regularly invests in birth control pill manufacturers.

And this isn't some random point. The next step in this case is almost certainly the trial stage (the Supreme Court determined whether the First Amendment is a defense, and now they try it), and so, its not unlikely that upon remand, Hobby Lobby gets its ass kicked.  In other words, crisis this creates is completely avoidable.

So, how do I feel about this decision? Its the kind of awfulness I have come to expect from this Supreme Court.  Get out and vote people. IN ALL ELECTIONS.

Phat Jim

Carl DeMaio silent after Hobby Lobby ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2014
CONTACT: Alex Roth, 619-228-3253

San Diego -- Carl DeMaio has been remarkably silent in the wake of yesterday’s Hobby Lobby ruling. You can practically hear the crickets chirping. A review of his social media streams and a Google search reveal that candidate DeMaio, who is trying to portray himself as 'pro-choice,' has once again refused to address one of the most important civil rights issues facing our nation.

It's no wonder that in 2012 Planned Parenthood called DeMaio a "stealth candidate who refused to answer Planned Parenthood's questions about women's access to health care."

"He's running for Congress. Voters deserve to know exactly where he stands on yesterday's critical Supreme Court decision," said Peters campaign communications director Alex Roth. "For a guy who insists women should vote for him, he’s been uncharacteristically at a loss for words about a ruling with profound consequences for women’s health care and reproductive freedom."

In stark contrast, Rep. Scott Peters, who is endorsed by Planned Parenthood for his 100 percent record of standing up for women's rights, has been loud and clear about his dismay at yesterday's court decision.

“It’s a pretty simple question: Does DeMaio agree with the Supreme Court ruling or doesn’t he?” Roth said. “His failure to answer this question is not only evasive but also a telling sign about where he really stands on issues that are important to women.”

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Rep. Peters Calls Hobby Lobby Ruling "Outrageous"

 

San Diego -- Rep. Scott Peters for released the following statement in response to today's Supreme Court ruling in the Hobby Lobby case:

"Today is a sad day for those of us who believe women have the right to make their own health-care and reproductive decisions without interference from their bosses, and for those who believe it's in everyone's interest for women to have access to affordable, safe preventative care. Today's Supreme Court ruling is especially outrageous given the large percentage of women who use birth control pills to treat serious ailments ranging from endometriosis to post-chemotherapy hormone replacement. As a husband, father and long-time advocate for women's rights, I stand with all Americans who find today's ruling hugely disappointing."

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Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez’s Statement on 2014-15 State Budget

 

SACRAMENTO – (Sunday, June 15, 2014) – California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, made the following statement following the Assembly’s approval of the 2014-15 state budget on Sunday.


“As a breadwinner mom, I’m most proud that this state budget reflects priorities for California that I’d want for my own household: more funding for child care and education, more repairs to our basic infrastructure, and a fund that allows us to save money for a rainy day.”

For more information on the 2014-15 budget or to interview Assemblywoman Gonzalez, contact Evan McLaughlin at evan.mclaughlin@asm.ca.gov or by phone at (619) 850-2790 or (916) 319-2080.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez represents the 80th Assembly District, which includes Chula Vista, National City and the San Diego neighborhoods of City Heights, Barrio Logan, Paradise Hills, San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, and serves as Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Women and the Workplace. For more information, visit http://asmdc.org/members/a80/ .

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Block: Imperfect state budget honors priorities for children and state’s future

 

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Marty Block today issued the following statement upon passage of California’s 2014-15 budget:

“California has approved its fourth consecutive and on-time and balanced budget. At $108 billion, it is a stronger state spending plan than we have seen in recent years. It continues our reinvestment in K-12 education that is so important to California’s future. We were able to reinvest in early childhood learning, career education, disabled student services and our higher education system.

“In addition we set aside $10.4 billion in debt repayment and $2.1 billion for a Rainy Day reserve fund.

“It’s an imperfect budget created through an imperfect process, but it is a budget that honors our most important priorities for children and securing our future. More importantly, it is further evidence that California is on the rebound.”

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Proudly representing the cities and communities of San Diego, Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Coronado

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on California Republicans’ Gubernatorial Choice in 2014 Primary Election

Congratulations are in order for California’s Republican primary voters. During last week’s primary election they were faced with a very difficult choice: a Tea Party fanatic who attempted to carry a loaded gun on a plane or an individual whose single greatest accomplishment has been to hand over billions in taxpayers’ money to Goldman Sachs and the rest of Wall Street. It truly was a tough choice, but they made it, and I assume they feel more comfortable with someone who gives away taxes from hard working American men and women to the Republicans’ Wall Street buddies.

The California Democratic Party is ready, willing and able to take on the Republican choice with our Governor Jerry Brown, and we look forward to another resounding statewide Democratic sweep, as well as the strong enthusiasm and dedication of thousands of Democratic activists and allies throughout the state from now through November.

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