March 2020 District Report

A Message from Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

Coronavirus has impacted many of our daily lives. It’s no time to panic but we must take the threat seriously. Read how to protect yourself along with recommendations from state health experts in this newsletter.

Also, the 2020 census got underway this month. It is critically important for heads of households to complete census forms, either online or in writing. Counting everyone ensures we get the federal funding and congressional representation we deserve. 

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,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Legislative Update

Washing your hands is a simple act. But it’s also critically important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, also known as novel coronavirus. The California Department of Public Health suggests frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds each time to keep you and your family safe.

It’s one of a number of steps you can take to contain the virus that include home isolation as instructed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Others are covering your mouth and when you cough, sanitizing surfaces and not touching your face with unwashed hands. When you are out, refrain from shaking hands with other people. Practice social distancing, keeping at least six feet between you and the next person.

Gov. Newsom’s statewide order, which mandates people stay at home unless they are fulfilling essential needs such as grocery shopping, is part of the state’s response to a pandemic that is sickening hundreds and roiling economic markets.

Check out the state's new one-stop resource page for more information on COVID-19 and California's response: https://covid19.ca.gov/

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Women’s History Month

March is National Women’s History Month, an ideal time for us to collectively acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in shaping our nation. National Women’s History Month has its roots in our Senate District, dating back to 1978 when the principal groups that make up the National Women’s History Project began working with the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women.

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Free Tax Help/Earned Income Tax Credit

Tax Day is fast approaching. You may qualify for tax credits. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program will benefit millions of low income working families and can result in thousands of dollars for qualifying families. I helped champion the creation of California's EITC, which provides even more money to working families. Each year millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed, so see if you’re eligible.

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2020 Census

Billions of dollars to pay for things like roads and schools are determined by how many people are counted in the census. Also, California’s congressional representation is based on the once-a-decade headcount. Suffice it to say, it is important to get an accurate tally. Undercounting could cost a congressional seat. With each uncounted person, California loses $2,000 per year for the next 10 years. Money paid through taxes would go to another state.

Unfortunately, undercounts are possible – and have happened before. Many hard-to-count areas are right here in the North Bay. Communities with large numbers of renters, young men, African-Americans and Latinos are at risk. Some fear deportation. Other don’t respond out of privacy concerns. Still others don’t understand the process.

That’s why California is pulling out all the stops to educate people about the importance of participation. When you receive a census invitation this month, please take it. Be counted, California!

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In the News

While California has made meaningful strides in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done. Here are some of the latest news stories that may be of interest to you. 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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