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Rep DeSaulnier in hearing

The DeSaulnier Digest: Juneteenth Commemoration and Supreme Court Victories

June 22, 2020
DeSaulnier Digest

In the midst of the demonstrations to draw attention to racial injustice and the need for police reform, our nation also celebrated Juneteenth. Watch below as I reflect on the history of Juneteenth and the history and implications of racism in the United States.

AT A GLANCE

In this week's Digest, you will also find more information on:

  • Congressman DeSaulnier's successful transportation efforts;
  • Information on recent historic Supreme Court rulings; and
  • A coronavirus update.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

Congressman DeSaulnier Champions Ten Initiatives in Transportation Bill

To address chronic underfunding and disrepair in our nation's roads and bridges, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced the INVEST in America Act (H.R. 2). This bold plan would invest in projects that will create millions of jobs, reduce carbon pollution, and dramatically improve safety. Congressman DeSaulnier successfully included ten of his initiatives, which will help reduce emissions, spur investment in public transportation, and ensure proper oversight of federal investments. To read more, click HERE.

Supreme Court Victories

Over the last week, the Supreme Court of the United States has issued two major decisions to uphold our American values and protect some of our nation's most vulnerable.

  • Five years after the Supreme Court upheld the fundamental right for same-sex couples to marry, it made another landmark decision in the gay rights movement. Announced on June 15th was the ruling that federal anti-discrimination law covers LGBTQ+ workers.
  • In a victory for the American Dream, the Supreme Court upheld the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects people who were brought to the United States as children. Nearly eight years after President Obama announced the creation of DACA, it was reaffirmed as a beacon of hope for people who call this country home.

PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE

Over the past week, Contra Costa Health Services and the California Department of Public Health have each released updated guidelines when it comes to businesses re-opening and face covering requirements when in public. Here is a brief summary of that recent guidance.

  • As of June 17th, hair salons and barbers in Contra Costa have been allowed to re-open. The new order also increases the number of swimmers who may share a pool, and allows as many as 100 people to attend a funeral or other religious service at an indoor place of worship. For full details on the latest updates to the county's health order, click here.
  • On June 18th, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health announced new requirements for the use of face coverings when in public. The new guidelines require that people in California must wear a mask in high-risk situations. Those situations include waiting in line to enter an indoor public space, obtaining health care services, waiting for public transportation, and when maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet is not feasible. For the complete list of requirements, and exemptions from those requirements, click here.

As new resources and information become available, we will continue to provide updates via social media and through the coronavirus resources section of our website here. As always, if our office can be of assistance to you, please contact us at (925) 933-2660.

Office Locations

503 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-2095
Fax: (202) 225-5609
4703 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, CA  94531
Phone: (925) 754-0716
Fax: (925) 754-0728
3100 Oak Road
Suite 110
Walnut Creek, CA  94597
Phone: (925) 933-2660
Fax: (925) 933-2677