04-21-19

Safeguarding the Social Security Benefits You Earned

April is National Social Security Month. Almost 84 years ago, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, which enacted our country’s most popular and effective program to help seniors and others who have encountered unforeseen challenges such as disability, poverty, and the loss of family income providers. Today, Social Security provides a promise of financial security to millions of Americans, including over eighty thousand in our Congressional District. 

I know first-hand how Social Security can affect a family. After the passing of my dad when I was a kid, Social Security survivor benefits helped keep the lights on in our home. That’s why as your member of Congress, I’m committed to protecting and preserving our Social Security system for the families and seniors who have spent their lifetimes earning it. I’m proud to fight Republican efforts to privatize Social Security and in this Congress, have cosponsored legislation to solidify the program for the next 100 years, and in a way that doesn’t raise your taxes.  

In my California offices, we also help constituents with Social Security questions each and every day. If you need assistance, make sure to reach out to my Selma Office at (559) 460-6070 or CA21TC.casework@mail.house.gov – we’re always happy to assist in any way we can. 
 

Valley Highlights 

I stood with Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) this week to speak out against the Trump Administration’s decision to reinstate the Social Security Administration’s controversial practice of sending “no-match” letters. This is a practice that the Farm Bureau opposes – because they know that our Valley’s agriculture economy needs immigrants to thrive.



Great meeting with the Sanger Community Task Force where I provided members with an update on the critical work we’ve done in our first 100 days! 


It’s always a treat to stop by the Fil-Bake shop in Delano to see Auntie Tessie and grab the best baked delights in California! 
 

Congressional Art Competition

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Calling all high school students who live in CA-21 to participate in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition! Students now have until April 30 to apply.

The competition is open to all high school students who live in the 21st Congressional District and has open categories such as painting, drawing, print, and more. All submissions must be original and executed by the student. The winners will be chosen by a panel of art professionals from the district and there will be a reception for all participants, their families, and teachers.

The first-place winner of our competition will receive two round-trip tickets to the National Reception in Washington, D.C.; a $3,000 scholarship to a prestigious art college; and their art will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Second and third place art pieces will be displayed in my Bakersfield and Selma District offices. Visit my website at cox.house.gov for further information or call my Selma office at (559) 460-6070.

 

TJ’s Recommended Reading 

Frequently, I read articles or see videos that I think my constituents would benefit from.

 Bakersfield Californian (3/29/19) – Farmers look to adapt to climate change 

It’s clear that our nation’s water supply has been impacted by climate change and in the Central Valley everyone from our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities have been severely impacted by California’s last drought and the ongoing lack of water supply and access. The Bakersfield Californian article highlights ways in which our Valley farmers are addressing and adapting to this problem from the Wonderful Company in Kern County announcing its plan to use 100-percent renewable energy to power its operations by 2025 to Delano citrus growers investing in highly efficient drip-irrigation systems. 
 

Staying Informed

You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues I’m working on at cox.house.gov. I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram, Facebook,and Twitter. 
 

If you’re ever in DC, please call ahead so we can arrange tours for you and update you on upcoming events you may be interested in attending. The cherry blossoms this year were spectacular and as the weather warms up, there are many other outdoor events that you may like to attend. If you have a larger group, give us a call and we’ll see if we can arrange a night-time Capitol tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.

In your service,

  
TJ Cox
Member of Congress