Greetings!
This week, I've been at home in Orange County, hearing from constituents and engaging with local agencies and organizations. From veterans and law enforcement, to local officials and community leaders, I am always glad to spend time with the amazing people who make our district so exceptional. Keep reading to learn more about all I've been doing this week!
Make sure to follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get these updates in real-time! Here are some highlights from my week: |
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This week I met with my Veterans Advisory Board to give an update on current legislation and to hear first-hand about the challenges facing our veterans.
Recently, I introduced two bipartisan bills to support our veterans. The Driving Veterans Success Act, would establish a veterans business enterprise program to achieve the aim of ensuring veteran-owned businesses receive fair consideration for federal highway contracts.
The second bill, the Hire Student Veterans Act, would provide a tax credit to businesses that hire part-time veterans who are using their VA-administered educational benefits and taking advantage of paid internships and other work opportunities while still in school.
Our veterans deserve our support as they make the transition from active service to civilian life and build success. Both of these bills will expand opportunities for our veterans and help them achieve the American Dream.
I am proud to work on behalf of Orange County’s veterans, and will continue to do everything I can to help them succeed and get them the benefits they have earned.
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May Mobile Office Hours Coming Up |
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My staff will be hosting mobile office hours in Laguna Niguel on May 13th. Mobile office hours provide an opportunity to get one-on-one, in person assistance with federal agencies from my staff. Mobile office hours are open to the public, and no appointment is necessary.
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MOBILE OFFICE HOURS
Friday, May 13th 8am-1pm
Laguna Niguel City Hall, Community Room
30111 Crown Valley Pkwy
Laguna Niguel, 92677
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You can also contact my office for assistance at any time. For my office locations in Huntington Beach and Washington D.C., click here.
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Honoring Law Enforcement and their K9 Companions |
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Left: Rep. Steel meets K9 Officer Yosa; Right: Rep. Steel presents certificate of recognition to K9 officer Saurus |
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K9 officers play a critical role in our criminal justice system. This week I visited the Seal Beach Police Department to recognize Officer Victor Ruiz and Lt. Nick Nicholas, as well as their K9s, Saurus and Yosa, for their outstanding service to our community.
I loved meeting these outstanding furry friends helping to keep us safe!
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Equipping Women for Financial Success |
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April is Financial Literacy Month, so my team hosted a Women’s Financial Empowerment seminar in Fountain Valley to talk about retirement planning, emergency funds, and other strategies to achieve financial success.
Thanks to our featured speaker, Victoria Hà-Vy Le of First Financial Security, and to all the attendees for making this such a great event!
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DEADLINE APPROACHING: Congressional Art Competition |
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The deadline to enter the 2022 Congressional Art Competition is coming up! My office will continue accepting submissions until April 25 at 4:00 PM.
This nationwide high school arts competition takes place each Spring and is sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District.
The Contest is open to all high school students in our District and the winning artwork of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page, and the winner will be invited to a reception in Washington, D.C.
I encourage all student artists to enter a submission to the Competition!
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Yesterday was Earth Day, a day to celebrate our environment and remember how each of us can do our part to protect and care for our communities. I stopped by Westminster to join in their Earth Day celebration. It was great to see so many members of our Orange County community!
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Collaborating With Local Leaders |
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I joined local leaders at the Fountain Valley Mayor’s Breakfast to give an update on what I’m working on in Congress. We are fortunate to have such dedicated local officials across Orange County, and I am glad to partner with them at the federal level to deliver for our communities.
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Many of you have asked how to help Ukrainian citizens evacuate while Russia continues their violent assault on innocent people. Below is information from the State Department, and I will continue to keep you updated as more resources are shared. Please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can be of service.
Q: I am a U.S. citizen and need a passport to depart Ukraine. What should I do? The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. citizens in Ukraine should fill out the online assistance form at: https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake and the Department of State will respond.
Q. Is the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv still open for visa applications?
The Department of State is not able to offer in-person emergency consular services in Ukraine at this time. U.S. embassies and consulates in neighboring countries can accept visa applications from Ukrainians. Interested applicants can find a list of embassy websites HERE, or visit a specific embassy website by clicking the buttons below and follow the instructions provided to apply for a visa.
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RIPON ADVANCE: STEEL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT CHARTER SCHOOLS
"Rep. Steel introduced the Protecting Charter Schools from Federal Overreach Act of 2022, H.R. 7525, on April 14 with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). The legislation, if enacted, would prohibit the Secretary of Education from finalizing or implementing the proposed rules relating to charter school programs and grant funding." Read More.
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Opinion | Backlash Against Biden's Limits on Charter Schools
No President has been more hostile to charters schools than Joe Biden, and his Department of Education is proving it with proposed rules that undermine the federal Charter Schools Program. The assault is triggering a bipartisan political backlash.
Read more
www.wsj.com
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I’ll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you up to date on my work on behalf of our Orange County community, so make sure you sign up for regular updates.
You can also connect with my official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages, where I’ll be posting the latest news and updates. |
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Rep. Michelle Steel
Member of Congress
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