February 2017 - District Report

A Message from Bill Dodd

I've received hundreds of calls and emails from constituents concerned about what repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would mean for their families. This month I co-hosted healthcare town halls across our district to answer your questions and your hear concerns. If you have a question and were unable to attend, please visit my website to submit your question online. This year it is critical that California maintains and expands our progress towards affordable healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, educational opportunity, and protections for immigrants.

February is Black History Month, which is a time to reflect on the immense contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to our nation, as well as the ongoing struggle for civil rights, equal opportunity and prosperity.

In this Issue:

As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.

Sincerely,

Senator, 3rd District


Work for Warriors Helps Employers and Veterans

California’s Work for Warriors program matches employers with highly trained veterans who are ready to leave the military for civilian life. For more on how we can help serve those who have served us or how veterans can connect with job resources, click here.

To learn about the new CA Vets license connect with other benefits, click here.

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Black History Month

I was proud to join my colleagues in the Legislative Black Caucus to co-author ACR 6, recognizing February 2016 as Black History Month. February is National African American/Black History Month which was first recognized in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian and educator, established a weeklong reflection on African American history. The observation was changed to a month-long event in 1976, the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution.

Today, National African American/Black History Month is observed all over America, as schools, churches and communities honor the countless contributions that African Americans have made to our society. There year, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Legislative Black Caucus by Senator Mervyn Dymally.

The history of African Americans unfolds across the canvas of America, beginning before the arrival of the Mayflower and continuing to the present. One cannot tell the story of America without preserving and reflecting on the places where African Americans have made history. The Kingsley Plantation, DuSable’s home site, the numerous stops along the Underground Railroad, Seneca Village, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and Frederick Douglass’ home — to name just a few — are sites that keep alive the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in our consciousness. They retain and refresh the memories of the struggle for freedom and justice.

Similarly, Mary McLeod Bethune’s home in Washington, D.C., 125th Street in Harlem, Beale Street in Memphis, Sweet Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, and Central Avenue in Los Angeles tell the story of the African American struggle for equal citizenship during the 20th century. I encourage you to join me in reflecting on the immense contributions African Americans have made to our nation and to dedicate ourselves to continuing the fight for civil rights, equal opportunity and prosperity that so many African Americans have fought for over the centuries. You can learn more about African American history here.

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In the News

While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done in a number of critical areas. Of particular importance this year is ensuring that California maintains and expands our progress towards affordable healthcare coverage for all, environmental stewardship, educational opportunity, and protections for hardworking immigrants.

Here is some of the latest news coverage on my legislation. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.


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Free Tax Help/Earned Income Tax Credit

Tax Day, April 18th, is fast approaching. You may qualify for tax credits or free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which is supported by the Franchise Tax Board.

You may qualify for tax credits. California’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program will benefit millions of low income working families and can result in thousands of dollars for qualifying families. Each year millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed, so see if you’re eligible.

For a list of upcoming workshops, please click here. I urge you to call the contact numbers listed to verify your eligibility, make appointments, and to learn what documentation may be required.

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