Blog
Blog
As Congress continues to work towards an agreement that will keep the United States from defaulting on its loans, I wanted to reiterate to you my commitment to protecting Medicare and Medicaid, on this, the 46th anniversary of the law's signing.
I strongly believe that even as Congress works to reduce our nation's deficit, our first priority must be the creation of jobs for American workers. We know that we cannot reduce the debt without growing our economy; we cannot have growth without job creation; and we cannot create jobs without small businesses.
As you are aware, the Sacramento region's housing market has been one of the hardest hit in the nation. I have heard from hundreds of homeowners who are frustrated and angry at the banks for giving them the run around when they are trying to work with them to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure.
Today, on Veterans Day, we take the time to remember, honor, and thank our service men and women, both current and former, for everything they have done at home and abroad to keep our country safe. This morning, I am excited to have the chance to participate in the City of Sacramento Veterans Day Parade. It is always a humbling experience to be in the presence of Sacramentoand#39;s heroes.
We are currently in the midst of Medicare's Open Enrollment season, which ends earlier than normal this year on December 7.
Today, I am happy to tell you that Sacramento has been chosen as one of the first five cities to benefit from President Obama's announced andquot;Better Building Initiativeandquot;, a plan to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings by 20 percent by 2020.
Unless Congress acts, beginning in January the average American family earning $50,000 a year will face a $1,000 tax increase. I am fighting to ensure that this does not happen to 160 million Americans next year.
Last week, Congress convened the second session of the 112th Congress.
You may recall that a year ago this time, I asked you to tell me your priorities for the new Congress. An overwhelming majority of you let me know that you wanted our focus to be on creating jobs and reducing unemployment. And, this has remained my top priority.
As tax season begins to get underway, I wanted to share some information and resources that may be of assistance to you.
Each year, Women's History Month lends us the opportunity to honor all of the amazing women in our lives, and to reflect on how far women in our country have come. The work towards full equality is not yet done, and this month also allows us the chance to recommit to working for women everywhere.