Blog - Becerra Bulletin for July 2013
Press Release
In a continued effort to bring news and relevant information about our federal government back to his home district in Los Angeles, Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-34), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and Ranking Member of the Social Security Subcommittee, brings you "The Becerra Bulletin," an e-newsletter filled with facts and information meant to stimulate thought and discussion about policy and a host of other issues.
BY THE NUMBERS
KEEPING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE
On July 1, the interest rate on federal subsidized Stafford student loans increased from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. House Republicans have proposed increasing student loan debt over the next 10 years and reducing the deficit on the backs of college students. With student debt now over $1.1 trillion, here's a look at the numbers on the issue of student loans:
- The interest rates for more than 7 million students doubled to 6.8 percent on July 1st
- Every year that Congress doesn't act will cost a student borrower $1,000 in additional repayment costs
- 550,928: The total number of Subsidized Stafford loan borrowers in California for the 2012-2013 academic year
- Sixty-eight percent of all subsidized student loan borrowers are from family incomes of less than $50,000
SHORT TAKES -- WASHINGTON, D.C.
REP. BECERRA ON CBS FACE THE NATION
Congressman Becerra appeared on CBS News Face the Nation to talk about the latest on comprehensive immigration reform efforts. Click here to watch the video:
U.S. SENATE PASSES COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL
By a vote of 68 to 32, the United States Senate passed the Border Security, Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744) -- a bipartisan effort to reform America's broken immigration system. Following the vote, Congressman Becerra released the following statement:
"It's up to the House of Representatives now. The Senate has done its job and passed a bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill that will secure our borders, protect our workers, require employers to comply with common sense laws, unite families and offer hardworking immigrants an earned pathway to become taxpaying American citizens. Immigration reform also will boost our economic recovery and reduce the federal deficit by nearly $200 billion over the next decade.
"It's time for real leadership in the House. We must complement the work done by Democratic and Republican Senators. We must debate and pass bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. If we work together -- not as Republicans and Democrats but as colleagues and duly elected representatives of the American people -- we'll get the job done."
REP. BECERRA ON SUPREME COURT'S DOMA & CALIFORNIA'S PROPOSITION 8 DECISIONS: "OUR FIGHT DOES NOT END HERE"
The United States Supreme Court recently struck down the misnamed "Defense of Marriage Act" (DOMA) and ruled that supporters of California's Proposition 8 did not have standing to bring their lawsuit, allowing LGBT couples in California to marry. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Congressman Becerra called on Americans to continue the fight for equality:
"Progress, albeit grudging progress, from our country's Supreme Court. It is remarkable to see how difficult it is for four Justices of our highest court of the land to join the rest of America.
"The good news is that we can say -- barely -- that justice and common sense have prevailed today. But our fight does not end here. There are still thousands of LGBT Americans living in states across our country who face discrimination. On the occasion of today's important step forward we must recommit ourselves to the work that remains in the fight for fair treatment of every American, regardless of who they are or whom they love."
SHORT TAKES -- IN THE 34TH DISTRICT
REP. BECERRA HOSTS TOWN HALL AT WILSHIRE PARK ELEMENTARY
On Saturday, June 15, Congressman Becerra hosted a Coffee with your Congressman town hall meeting at Wilshire Park Elementary School. He spoke to constituents about services to veterans, enrollment in healthcare through the Affordable Care Act, comprehensive immigration reform in the House, and about protecting Social Security for future generations.
HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACES OPEN ON OCTOBER 1
On October 1, millions of Americans will have the opportunity to secure their own affordable health insurance, putting families back in control of their health care with more protections and choices. The new consumer-focused www.HealthCare.gov website and new toll-free call center, 1-800-318-2596, are designed to help those who are looking for health coverage prepare for the beginning of open enrollment and ultimately sign up for private health insurance. For more information on California's health insurance marketplace, Covered California, visit www.coveredca.com.
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