Title: Conejo Valley Democrats
Location: Thousand Oaks Library
Start Time: 6:30 P.M.
Date: 09-11-12

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara Councilman Das Williams is proud to report today that Alexandra (Alex) Gallardo-Rooker, Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party, has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.

“Nobody has been a bigger champion for the Santa Barbara and Ventura regions than Das Williams,” said Alex Gallardo-Rooker. “Of all the candidates in this race, Das is the one with a proven track record of advancing the core democratic principles of fairness, opportunity, and smart and responsible investments in the people. Das Williams has been a protector of the coast, a leader in creating new local jobs, and a staunch advocate for education and other critical public programs and services. As a leader in the California Democratic Party, I know that Das has the background, values, experience, and leadership to serve his district well come 2010.”

Alex Gallardo-Rooker is one of California’s top ranking democratic officials. As the Legislative Advocate for the California Communications Worker of America (CWA), Alex is also one of the state’s foremost labor leaders. She now joins the growing list of state leaders, organizations, and community advocates in support of Das Williams for Assembly.

“Alex Gallardo-Rooker has a long history of fighting for democratic causes that are at the very center of my campaign for state assembly,” said Das Williams. “I am grateful and deeply honored to have her support in this race.”

Das Williams is running to succeed fellow democrat and termed-out Assemblymember Pedro Nava in 2010.

By Lois Capps

The weather may be cooling off in Washington, but health reform is still the hottest topic! We’ve made tremendous progress since the last time I updated you and we’re on track to send the President a bill by the end of the year. The House and Senate are working on combining their respective committees’ versions now that all five committees of jurisdiction have passed health insurance reform legislation. It’s no secret that the process has been long and strenuous, but legislation this important deserves the careful attention we have given it.

I have been working in the House to ensure that the final bill we send to the President’s desk will achieve our shared goal: access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. As the final version is prepared for a vote on the Floor, I am continuing to advocate for including a robust public option, retaining protections for Medicare beneficiaries, and investing in our next generation of health professionals. Inclusion of these vital provisions will mean better access to affordable, quality health care for all of us on the Central and South Coasts.

I’m especially encouraged by the improvements in women’s health that are contained in our proposed legislation. As you may know, many health insurance companies engage in a practice known as “gender rating,” where they charge women much higher premiums simply for being women. This gender discrimination would finally come to an end with enactment of H.R. 3200. Furthermore, women can expect improvements such as automatic coverage of maternity care; no more copayments for mammograms in Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance; and guaranteed access to care because insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions such as having had a Caesarian section. I am proud of the steps we have taken on this important issue.

I have also appreciated the opportunity to discuss health reform with my constituents. During September and October, I continued getting input of my constituents by holding three health care information sessions and two telephone town halls, and convening a panel with local doctors to review the legislation pending in Congress.

I’ve truly appreciated your feedback. I know that we may not agree on everything, but most of us agree that the current situation is unsustainable. I look forward to continuing our ongoing conversations and hope to report back soon with news of further progress on health insurance reform.

Please click through the links to the right to find more information about health reform, and feel free to forward this to your family and friends.

Sincerely,

LOIS CAPPS
Member of Congress

Please note that our monthly meeting on October 13 is on Tuesday – not Wednesday as usual.Our speaker will be CLU Politcal Science Professor Jose Marichal.  The topic is “Groundhog Day: The Recurring California Budget Crisis and How to Resolve It”.  Dr. Marichal has spoken to our club on several occasions in the past and his presentations are always entertaining and informative.     

We will also be discussing club business, collecting donations for Special Olympics Ventura County and welcoming new members.

We look forward to seeing you at this meeting.