Protecting San Franciscans’ Access to Care

Keeping Laguna Honda Hospital Open

Laguna Honda Hospital has long been a pillar of health and well-being for generations of San Francisco families. At this very moment, this indispensable institution is ensuring that hundreds of patients with critical and complex medical and behavioral health conditions can get care they need, regardless of their financial means. And during the pandemic, the dedicated staff of the hospital has been outstanding in controlling outbreaks and keeping its vulnerable patients safe from the virus.

It is unfathomable that Laguna Honda could lose the vital federal funding it needs to support life-saving programs for some of our most vulnerable San Franciscans — especially as we continue to be threatened by the pandemic. That is why it is both urgent and essential that city, state and national officials work together to help address areas of concern and protect this crucial health care provider.

My office is working closely with Mayor Breed and the Biden Administration to support Laguna Honda's devoted staff and ensure that the hospital can address its issues, come into full compliance and continue to serve our community for decades to come.

Lowering Costs for Americans
On Tuesday, President Biden announced new actions to bring down gas prices by propelling the development of homegrown ethanol.

American ethanol grown by American farmers is one of our most powerful tools to fight Putin's Price Hike on American families. This homegrown biofuel is a cleaner, cheaper fuel option: helping families save money at the pump while moving our nation closer to energy independence. Now, Big Oil must join us in this effort by adding Unleaded 88 to more pumps and gas stations, rather than put their profits above the American people.

The Administration's new action builds on bold steps in recent weeks to bring down gas prices, including by ordering an historic release from our Strategic Petroleum Reserve and working with our allies to secure releases from strategic reserves around the world. At the same time, we are fighting to accelerate our nation's transition to a clean energy future: crucial for achieving energy independence and combating the climate crisis.

Democrats know that Putin's Price Hike is weighing heavily on America's families – and we remain hard at work to bring down burdensome costs across the board. The Biden Administration and the Democratic Congress are laser-focused on Building a Better America: with lower costs, bigger paychecks and more jobs for all of our families.

Covered California Special-Enrollments
Lost your health insurance? Got married? Moved? Had a child? If you have experienced a major life event, you may be able to benefit from lower health insurance premiums through Covered California with a special enrollment – available outside of the normal open enrollment period of November 1st through January 31st.

Covered California was created to help Californians compare, afford and enroll in brand-name health insurance plans. Most people who enroll receive financial help, and everyone is guaranteed the same, high-quality coverage. Two-thirds of Covered California enrollees are eligible for coverage under a brand-name health plan for $10 or less per month – see if you qualify today!

Get Tax Help Before the Filing Deadline
Remember, the deadline to file your taxes is April 18, 2022. Eligible San Franciscans can access free tax assistance through the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA). SFHSA nonprofit partners make it easy to safely and securely file your taxes for free using online tools or in-person service options. These services can help eligible filers apply for local, state and federal tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit, the San Francisco Working Families Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

There are various other resources that include helpful tips for filing your tax return:

• The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify – find a provider near you.
• IRS resources to help taxpayers through all stages of the filing process
• Check your refund status

To find free tax assistance filing options before the filing deadline, call 2-1-1 or visit FreeTaxHelpSF.org.

American Rescue Plan & the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

Keeping Ahead of COVID in San Francisco

The FDA has authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for certain immunocompromised individuals and those 50 years and older.

Additionally, everyone 12 years and older is eligible for a first booster dose! Schedule your COVID-19 booster shot and stay up to date on the FDA's COVID-19 vaccine news and updates.

2023 Service Academy Nominations
Calling all aspiring service academy students in San Francisco! Each fall, it is my privilege to nominate exceptional students to a U.S. Service Academy who have a strong desire to further their education and begin a career serving in a branch of the U.S. Military.

The deadline for the 2023 Service Academy Nominations is September 15, 2022. We are accepting applications for the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Congressional nominations are made on a competitive basis – stressing character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, personal goals and motivation. Read more information on eligibility, frequently asked questions and the application process.

Additionally, the deadline for this year's Congressional Art Competition is April 24th! All San Francisco high school artists are encouraged to submit their artwork. Visit my website for more information on artwork guidelines and the application process.