SOCIAL SECURITY AND CHAINED CPI
At a time when changes to Social Security benefits are mentioned in the conversation with deficit reduction, it’s important to remember the facts. For many Americans – seniors, disabled workers, veterans, widows, children and working families – Social Security means economic security. A proposed change in how the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated, a switch to the “chained CPI”, would mean a benefit cut for the wrong people. These vital benefits should not be cut to pay for debts run up by two unpaid-for wars and tax cuts for the wealthy. Here’s a look at Social Security’s track record and how a switch to the chained CPI would cut Americans’ Social Security benefits, just when they need them the most:

• The Social Security Trust Fund currently has a surplus of $2.7 trillion. Over 77 years and 13 recessions, Social Security has taken in $16.3 trillion and paid out $13.6 trillion. It’s neither broke nor the cause of our current deficit.

• Six out of ten seniors rely on Social Security for more than half their income. The average benefit for a retiree is about $1200 a month.

• Seniors 75 or older spend an average of two-thirds of their income on basic necessities like food, housing and health care.

• Switching to the chained CPI is a benefit cut that would grow larger each year.  That is, at age 65, a typical middle-income worker would lose about $140 of his or her annual benefit. But by age 75, the annual benefit cut would be $560.

• By the time he or she reaches 85, the annual benefit cut would be almost $1,000 a year.

REP. BECERRA ON MSNBC
Congressman Becerra appeared on MSNBC with Chris Cillizza to discuss fixing our immigration reform system the right way through a tough but fair process. Click here to watch the video: 

HOUSE BIPARTISAN GROUP MAKES SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS ON IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL
On April 17, a bipartisan group of eight Members from the U.S. House of Representatives which includes Reps. Becerra, John Carter (TX), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Luis Gutierrez (IL), Sam Johnson (TX), Raul Labrador (ID), Zoe Lofgren (CA), and John Yarmuth (KY) said that they would continue their efforts toward fixing America’s broken immigration system. After the so-called “Gang of Eight” Senators released their immigration reform bill in April, the House working group issued this statement:

“Americans want to see the nation’s broken immigration system fixed, and they know it will take bipartisanship to solve this problem in a sensible and rational way. This week, a bipartisan group of Senators stepped forward to introduce their proposal, and we applaud their effort. We are also working on a good faith, bipartisan effort in the House. We believe we will soon agree on a reasonable, common-sense plan to finally secure our borders and strengthen our economy with a tough but fair process that respects the rule of law so immigrants can contribute to our country. While we have made substantial progress, we continue to work diligently towards a bill that keeps America strong, competitive and true to our values.”

REP. BECERRA ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY2014
At a time when the unemployment is still touching the lives of too many Americans, Congress should be focused on growing our economy and creating jobs. On April 10, President Obama sent Congress his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2014. In response to the President’s budget, Congressman Becerra said:

“President Obama is trying to find common ground with House and Senate Republicans to grow our economy and reduce the federal deficits. I support his attempts to unite members of Congress from both parties to move our country forward. And at a time when millions of Americans are still out of a job, no one should oppose the President’s plans to reignite American manufacturing and train our workers with the skills they need to compete in the global economy.

“But we cannot take one step forward only to take two more steps back. Cutting earned Medicare and Social Security benefits to pay for deficits primarily caused by the Bush tax breaks, two unfunded wars and an economic recession is not the answer to our nation’s problems. Congress must focus on growing the economy, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class.”

REP. BECERRA HOSTS TOWNHALL IN BOYLE HEIGHTS
On Saturday, April 6, Congressman Becerra hosted a Coffee with your Congressman townhall meeting at the PUENTE Learning Center in Boyle Heights. He spoke with constituents about immigration reform, proposed changes to Social Security, and local issues. Click here to watch video of Congressman Becerra explain chained CPI and what it means for Social Security.

Click here to view more photos

REP. BECERRA WELCOMES THE 34TH TO DISTRICT OFFICE
On April 5, Congressman Becerra and his staff held an open house at new Los Angeles office serving constituents of the 34th Congressional District. The new district office is located at 350 S. Bixel Street, Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Congressman Becerra released this statement welcoming his constituents:

“I’m proud to represent some of LA’s most diverse and vibrant communities, and it’s a pleasure to welcome all Angelenos of the 34th District to our new office located in the heart of the city -- Downtown Los Angeles. Whether you’re a senior citizen concerned about Social Security and Medicare, a veteran asking about VA benefits, or someone applying for a passport, my office is here to help you. With decades of field experience, my staff is dedicated to helping you get your questions answered. I look forward to serving you and please know that our doors are always open.

Click here to view more photos

THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TURNS THREE
The Affordable Care was signed by President Obama on March 23, 2010. Since the landmark healthcare reform became law three years ago, it has produced significant benefits for millions of Americans across the nation. Here’s a look at how the Affordable Care Act has improved access to quality, affordable health care in California:

• 2,153,101 people in CA with traditional Medicare used one or more preventive service at no cost to them in 2012
• In 2011 and 2012, over 8 million Californians with private health insurance gained preventive service coverage with no cost-sharing
• 5.3 million women in CA now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services without cost-sharing
• Over 12 million Californians no longer have to worry about lifetime limits on coverage
• People in CA with Medicare saved over $453.8 million on prescription drugs since the law’s enactment.  In 2012 alone, 299,896 Californians saved over $182.7 million, or an average of $609 per beneficiary
   

DISTRICT OFFICE OPEN HOUSE
On Friday, April 5 from 5-7pm, Congressman Becerra and his staff will hold an open house at the new district office location at 350 S. Bixel Street, Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90017. This is an opportunity to come learn about the federal services offered by the office and to discuss legislative issues with the Congressman and his staff.

COFFEE WITH YOUR CONGRESSMAN IN BOYLE HEIGHTS
Congressman Becerra would like to hear directly from you about the most pressing issues we face today. On Saturday, April 6 from 10-11am, Congressman Becerra will host a “Coffee with your Congressman” town hall meeting in Boyle Heights at the PUENTE Learning Center, 501 South Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

NORTHEAST LA MEET AND GREET
On Saturday, April 6, from 2-4pm, Congressman Becerra will join local and state elected officials for a meet and greet at the Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90041. Come get important information about government services and hear from your elected representatives.

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL
On his March 21st Telephone Town Hall, Congressman Becerra took questions from constituents all across the 34th Congressional District on gun violence prevention legislation, Social Security, and health care. If you missed this telephone town hall you can listen to an audio recording by clicking on the link below (MP3 player required):
Telephone Town Hall, March 21, 2013 (60 min 07 sec)

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
The deadline for submitting entries for the 34th Congressional District Student Art Competition has been extended to April 12, 2013 at 5:00 pm. The first place winner of the contest receives an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. and has his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Please visit Becerra.house.gov for the flyer and student release form.

For more information on any of these district events, please call 213-481-1425.

REP. BECERRA JOINS MSNBC’S ANDREA MITCHELL
On March 28, Congressman Becerra joined MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell to discuss gun violence prevention legislation, the latest on comprehensive immigration reform, and California's Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) cases before the Supreme Court. Click here to watch the video:  

REP. BECERRA ON ABC “THIS WEEK”
On March 17, Congressman Becerra joined the ABC “This Week” roundtable to discuss a balanced approach to growing the economy and reducing the federal budget deficit. Click here to watch the video:  

REP. BECERRA VOTES AGAINST HOUSE REPUBLICAN BUDGET PLAN
On March 21, after voting against the House Republican budget plan for the 2014 fiscal year which would have preserved severe “sequester” cuts without investing in job creation or economic growth, Congressman Becerra issued the following statement:

“Here we go again. At a time when there's no more painful deficit than the jobs deficit, the House Republican budget plan would eliminate 2 million American jobs next year alone. When we should be rebuilding the middle class, this proposal would cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans and stick working families with the bill. And when we have promised our seniors a secure and healthy retirement, this plan would end the Medicare guarantee.

“House Democrats proposed an alternative plan that would create a million more jobs this year, make key investments to move our economy forward and protect the dignity and well-being of America's seniors. It takes a balanced and fair approach to reducing the deficit without leaving any American behind.

“The American people are tired of listening to the same old broken record. Let’s change the tune and work together on realistic proposals that protect Medicare, create jobs, grow the economy, strengthen the middle class and responsibly reduce the deficit.”
     

REP. BECERRA ON PROP. 8 AND DOMA CASES BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT
On March 26 and 27, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Hollingsworth v. Perry, challenging California’s Proposition 8, and U.S. v. Windsor, challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Congressman Becerra, who has opposed Proposition 8 and who voted against DOMA in 1996 and signed onto an amicus brief with 211 other Members of Congress in support of overturning DOMA, released the following statement:

“We have reached a defining moment in our historic march for progress. What the Supreme Court will hear this week is what lower courts have already affirmed – no American should be denied equal protection under the Constitution. I believe history is on our side and our calls for justice will ultimately result in a victory for equality. Let’s continue our progress so that we uphold our most basic principles for all.”

Please join Congressman Xavier Becerra for the next “Coffee With Your Congressman” town hall meeting where you can share your ideas and opinions directly with him.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

PUENTE Learning Center

501 South Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90033

(Parking entrance on Boyle Avenue between 4th and 5th Street)

Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.

For more information or if you require special accommodations at this event, please call (213) 481-1425.

SEQUESTER: WHAT’S THE IMPACT?
A series of reckless budget cuts, known as the sequester, were scheduled to begin on March 1st. Here’s a look at how the sequester would affect California in 2013:

• A loss of approximately $87.6 million for primary and secondary education, placing 1,210 teacher and aide jobs at risk.
• 9,600 fewer low income students would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college
• Elimination of Head Start and Early Head Start services for 8,200 children 
• $12.4 million less in environmental funding to ensure clean water and air quality
• 15,810 fewer children will receive vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza, and Hepatitis B

REP. BECERRA ON MSNBC’S “THE RACHEL MADDOW SHOW”
On February 28, Congressman Becerra appeared on MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show” to discuss the harmful effects that the automatic budget cuts known as the “sequester” would have on the American economy. Click here to watch the video:

REP. BECERRA VOTES TO REAUTHORIZE THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT
On February 28, before voting to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), to protect victims of sexual assault and domestic violence across the country, Congressman Becerra spoke in support of the legislation on the House floor. Click here to watch the floor speech:

REP. BECERRA ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S STATE OF THE UNION
Following President Obama’s State of the Union address on February 13, Congressman Becerra, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement:

“As President Obama’s remarks tonight made clear, we still have a lot of work to do. The President has outlined his plan to create jobs and strengthen the middle class, and it is up to Congress to work with the President to get this done for the American people. We can do this. We can grow our economy from the middle out by investing in manufacturing, infrastructure, and clean energy. We can ensure that the next generation of Americans can compete in the global economy by investing in education. We can honor our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants by finally enacting comprehensive immigration reform. And we know that the best way to reduce the deficit is by addressing the jobs deficit and continuing the President’s economic recovery efforts of the past four years. Let’s work with the President to get the job done.”

CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA ON IMMIGRATION
On January 25, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus met with President Barack Obama in the White House to discuss immigration reform. After the meeting with the President, Congressman Becerra released this statement:

"Immigration reform is not a matter of 'if' but 'when'. Now is the time and this is our moment. After today’s meeting, it’s clear that President Obama is determined to fix our long broken immigration system. The President expressed a great sense of urgency and that comprehensive immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, is his top legislative priority. Members of the Hispanic Caucus, who have stood front and center on this issue even during the darkest times, are ready to work with the President and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to lead the way."

34TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT MAP
As the voice in Washington, D.C. for the 34th Congressional District, Rep. Becerra now represents the communities of Boyle Heights, Chinatown, City Terrace, Downtown, Eagle Rock, El Sereno, Glassell Park, Highland Park, Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown, Lincoln Heights, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights, and Westlake/Pico Union.

Due to redistricting, Rep. Becerra’s district office has now relocated to 350 South Bixel Street, Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and can be reached at 213-481-1425.

REP. BECERRA AT EAST LA SHERIFF’S YOUTH ACTIVITIES LEAGUE CENTER
On Saturday, February 16, Congressman Becerra joined L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca, the City Terrace Coordinating Council and the Federation de Clubes Zacatecanos for the opening of the East LA Sheriff’s Youth Activities League Center.  The 4,500 square foot building will provide free homework assistance, classes in leadership, Zumba, Yoga, computer access, folklorico dance lessons and a safe environment for youth in City Terrace.

Click here to see photos from the event

2013 STUDENT ART COMPETITION
Congressman Becerra invites local students to participate in the 2013 Student Art Competition for a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C. and have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. All high school students and 7th and 8th graders who attend a comprehensive middle or high school who reside in the 34th Congressional District are eligible to participate. The deadline for submission of artwork to the district office is March 22nd at 5:00 PM. Visit Becerra.house.gov for more details.

18th Annual Community Jobs Fair at Dodger Stadium

Are you or someone you know looking for a job?  

For the past 18 years, Congressman Xavier Becerra has worked with local elected officials, city, state and county agencies and the Los Angeles Dodgers to connect job seekers in his district with employment opportunities.

Approximately a hundred employers and employment service providers from around the Los Angeles area will be gathered at the 18th Annual Community Job Fair at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, March 2, 2013.  

Job applicants are encouraged to bring a resume and wear business attire as employers will be actively recruiting and conducting on-site interviews.

Admission and parking at the job fair are free.  A shuttle service will also be available to transport attendees from the corner of Elysian Park Avenue and Sunset Boulevard to the stadium entrance.

WHAT: 18th Annual Community Job Fair hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers

WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2013, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Dodger Stadium

              1000 Elysian Park Avenue

              Los Angeles, CA 90012

              Free parking available through Elysian Park Ave / Stadium Way entrance 

              Map it >>

Download the official flyer

Need more information?

Please call 323-224-1466 or Congressman Becerra's office at 213-481-1425.  You can also visit LACommunityJobFair.com for more information.

IMMIGRATION REFORM
With a new Congress comes a new opportunity to enact comprehensive immigration reform and fix what is broken. Rep. Becerra has affirmed his commitment to forging a smart, tough and sensible immigration reform that honors America’s legacy as a nation of immigrants. In the absence of reform, President Obama took action in August of this year to allow eligible immigrant youth to remain in the country without fear of deportation and receive work authorization. Here are the numbers on the enormous impact that deferred action has already made across the nation as of December 2012:

•    Nearly 368,000 requests for deferred action have been received by the federal government since the application process began in August of 2012.
•    Of these requests, 103,000 applicants have been approved for deferred action.
•    California ranks at the top with 27% of all applicants for deferred action.
•    Since August 15, USCIS has received an average of 4,433 requests daily.

REP. BECERRA CHALLENGES HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO TAKE THE 98 PERCENT DEAL
With taxes for middle class families set to increase by an average of $2,200 on January 1, Congressman Xavier Becerra urged his House Republican colleagues to bring the bipartisan, Senate-passed, middle class tax cut bill to a vote on the House floor. Click here to watch Rep. Becerra’s floor speech on December 12.

REP. XAVIER BECERRA ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS
By unanimous acclamation on November 29, Rep. Becerra was elected Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives for the 113th Congress. Chairman-elect Becerra released the following statement after the vote:

“I am honored by the trust that my colleagues have placed in me to serve as their Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. Working with a re-elected President Barack Obama, I know that our growing, diverse and united Caucus will be a driving force in the 113th Congress to protect and strengthen the middle class, create good paying jobs, and keep moving our country forward!”

REP. BECERRA HOSTS SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR
In an effort to help improve the quality of life of seniors in Los Angeles, Rep. Becerra hosted a Senior Resource Fair on Friday, December 7th at the Young Nak Presbyterian Church in Lincoln Heights. The event brought together a variety of government agencies and social service organizations to provide resources and information on programs for seniors. Patrick P. O'Carroll, Jr., Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) joined Rep. Becerra to caution seniors against scams targeting their federal benefits.

Click here to view more pictures

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL
On December 11, Rep. Becerra held a Telephone Town Hall where he heard from constituents throughout the 31st Congressional District.

Among the topics of discussion were the extension of middle class tax cuts and proposals to avoid going over the so-called “fiscal cliff” on January 1. If you missed this telephone town hall you can listen to an audio recording by clicking on the link below (MP3 player required):

Telephone Town Hall, December 11, 2012

MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS
In fewer than 50 days, unless Congress acts by December 31st, taxes will increase for 114 million American middle class families. Rep. Becerra supports President Obama’s proposal to extend tax cuts for middle class Americans – for those making under $250,000 a year – and letting the upper income tax cuts expire for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. Here’s a closer look at the middle class tax cuts by the numbers:

• Ending tax cuts for income above $250,000 would raise nearly $1 trillion over 10 years.

• If middle class tax cuts are not extended, 114 million families will see an average tax increase of $1,600.

• The President’s tax plan would let the top tax rate revert to the same level as during the Clinton Administration, when 22.5 million jobs were created.

A VETERANS DAY MESSAGE FROM REP. BECERRA
In honor of all those brave men and women who have worn the uniform to protect our freedom and values, Rep. Becerra released the following video tribute statement on Veterans Day:

REP. BECERRA JOINS THE LA DODGERS TO HONOR OUR VETERANS
On Veterans Day, Rep. Becerra partnered with Dodgers legend Don  “Newk” Newcombe to welcome a group of active and retired military to Dodger Stadium for batting practice.

REP. BECERRA ON NBC4 NEWS CONFERENCE
On November 11, Rep. Becerra joined Conan Nolan on NBC New Conference to discuss the importance of extending tax cuts for middle class American families while asking those making over $250,000 a year to pay a little more to help reduce the deficit. You can watch the interview here:

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS TO 7.8%
On Friday, the Department of Labor released its monthly jobs report showing the unemployment rate dropping to 7.8% and private sector job growth for the 31st consecutive month. While these numbers are a sign that the economy is moving forward, there’s still more to be done. Congressman Becerra will continue to push for the Make It In America plan, a comprehensive jobs plan which will invest in businesses here at home and create good jobs and a stronger middle class.

•    7.8% unemployment rate is the lowest unemployment rate since President Obama was handed the keys to the White House.

•    Last month, private business hired 104,000 new employees and in the last 2 ½ years our economy has created more than 5.2 million new private sector jobs. 

•    Over the last 12 months, nearly 2 million jobs have been added to the economy. In the last year of the previous administration, the economy lost over 4 million jobs. 

•    More jobs had been added during the summer than previously reported with 40,000 more in July and 46,000 more in August. 

REP. BECERRA URGES ANGELENOS TO REGISTER TO VOTE
On September 25, National Voter Registration Day, Rep. Becerra urged Angelenos to register to vote at a press conference at Cal State University, Los Angeles. Registration is now easier than ever for Californians with online voter registration now available.

REP. BECERRA ON KPCC
Rep. Becerra joined KPCC’s Alex Cohen and A. Martinez in studio on September 26 to discuss sequestration and the effects of automatic budget cuts for Americans. He also discussed the importance of strengthening Medicare without cutting services to seniors. You can listen to the interview here.

30  CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF PRIVATE SECTOR JOB GROWTH
On September 7, the Department of Labor released the August 2012 Jobs Report. For the 30th month straight, our economy created new private sector jobs. With more Americans back to work, our economy is moving in the right direction but there is more work to be done. Which is why Congressman Becerra has continued to push for the Make It In America jobs plan to create good paying jobs and strengthen the middle class. Here’s a look at the employment situation in America:

•    Between December 2007 and December 2009, nearly 8.9 million Americans lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

•    Over the past 2 and a half years, over 4.6 million new private sector jobs have been created.

•    Last month alone, private businesses hired 103,000 new employees. Four years ago in August, our economy lost 294,000 private sector jobs.

•    The national unemployment rate dropped from 10.1 percent, at the peak of the recession, to 8.1 percent last month.

•    In California, the unemployment rate has also dropped – from a high of 12.4 percent in February of 2010 to 10.7 percent in July of this year.

REP. BECERRA URGES DREAMERS TO BE READY FOR DEFERRED ACTION
On August 7 at a press conference in downtown Los Angeles, Rep. Becerra, Rep. Karen Bass (CA-33), and Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32) along with USCIS and community organizations, urged young people who believe they are eligible for relief from deportation through deferred action to prepare for the application process which began August 15. Leaders cautioned applicants to avoid providers of fraudulent services as they seek assistance with the application and seek help from trusted community and legal organizations. Click here to view video from the press conference.

REP. BECERRA VISITS WEST ADAMS PREP
On August 29, Rep. Becerra visited West Adams Preparatory High School in Los Angeles. Rep. Becerra visited a U.S. government class and welcomed students back during the first few weeks of the new school year.

Click here to view more pictures

REP. BECERRA VISITS CHIRLA
Rep. Becerra visited the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) offices on August 29. CHIRLA is one of the leading community organizations in Los Angeles helping DREAMers apply for deferred action in order to receive relief from deportation and work for the country they love and call home.

Opening Statement of Social Security Subcommittee

Ranking Member Xavier Becerra

Social Security Subcommittee Hearing on Proposals for 

Reforming the Disability Insurance Program

Committee on Ways and Means

(Remarks as Prepared)

“Severely disabled American workers have earned the right to receive disability benefits, and they rely on them. One hundred and sixty million Americans contribute to Social Security, earning protection for themselves and their families when they retire, or if they should die or become severely disabled.

“It’s not easy to qualify for Social Security’s disability benefits. Disability Insurance (DI) is only for people who paid into the system. It’s only available to Americans with the most severe impairments – Americans who are dying, or who genuinely can’t earn even a poverty-level wage at any job in the national economy because of a long-term condition.