Happy April! This week many Californians are celebrating Easter and Passover. While the celebrations will look a little different again this year, I think we're all starting to feel some sense of optimism. If we continue to do our part—get vaccinated, keep wearing masks, wash your hands, and remember physical distancing—then getting together with family and friends will move back to being a more ordinary event—events we know have such extraordinary benefits for our wellbeing! Later in this newsletter, we share how to find the latest word on vaccines, reopenings, and other key issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure to check that out. And remember, the statewide application for the tenant/landlord eviction relief enacted by the legislature and the governor is now available at the Housing is Key website.
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Our coastline is a precious resource. But in communities throughout California, warming waters and rising sea levels threaten both the coast we love and the people and businesses that are located there. Predictions are that left unchecked, sea level rise will cause billions of dollars in damage in California and disrupt countless lives.
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Since my last update to you, millions of Californians have been vaccinated, and millions more are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. As of today, this includes individuals 50 and older. And those 16 and older will be eligible on April 15.
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Balboa Park Makes Sustainability History
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With April comes Earth Day, and many of us find ways to clean up our neighborhoods, beaches and watersheds, or plant gardens and trees. But it also affords us a time to consider ways to be more energy efficient!
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Covered California Rolls Out Expanded Coverage, Lower Premiums
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While we're seeing progress when it comes to the pandemic, COVID-19 remains a reality and having access to quality, affordable health care is more important than ever before. That's why, thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's American Rescue Plan, Covered California is rolling out a NEW special-enrollment period on April 12 to help more Californians get covered at a lower cost starting as early as May 1. The enrollment period will stay open through the end of 2021. You don't need to have a qualifying life event – the enrollment requirements are similar to those for open enrollment. An estimated 1.2 million Californians without insurance will be eligible to sign up for coverage and nearly half a million who currently buy insurance directly through a health insurance company will qualify for new financial savings if they enroll in a new plan through Covered California. Additionally, most households currently enrolled through Covered California will save an average of $119 on their monthly premiums, which will be applied automatically in May. A new "Shop and Compare" tool will be available on CoveredCA.com on April 12 to help consumers understand their options and how they can benefit from the new law, or you can call (800) 300-1506 to talk to a representative directly. Don't miss your opportunity to ensure you and your family are covered, and to take advantage of the new assistance coming from the American Rescue Plan.
Don't Forget to Claim Your EITC Tax Credit
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Tax day has been extended to May 17, but filing earlier could mean more money sooner for those who qualify for additional tax credit. If you qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), California Young Child Tax Credit, federal EITC, and federal Child Tax Credit file their taxes, you will keep more of the money you earned last year. Plus, this year, Californians who qualify for the CalEITC also will receive a $600 one-time payment as part of the Golden State Stimulus package recently passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. To see if you qualify and to find free tax prep help near you, visit CalEITC4me.org. If you already filed and did not claim the CalEITC, you can still amend your tax return to get the credit and the stimulus. Find details on how to do that here.
Due to COVID-19, I haven't been able to attend many events in person around the district. But during a recent press conference to announce the $6.6 billion dollar safe schools package, I took a socially-distanced tour of Hoover High School. Thank you Principal Jason Babineau and San Diego Unified School District Board President Richard Barrera for inviting me to participate. They were excited to open their doors again to students, and showcased the new safety plans in place as they prepare to bring teachers, students and staff back to the newly renovated school. Fun fact: Baseball great Ted Williams graduated from Hoover High School!
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