Experiencing inflation? Take our survey
Learn more about recent wins I secured from my Inflation Action Plan:
-> Lowering health care and energy costs through the Inflation Reduction Act
-> Making more goods here in the U.S., including critical semiconductors through the CHIPS and Science Act
I know that residents of the Central Coast and throughout California are feeling the pinch of rising prices, including on gas and groceries, and I see the effects of that inflation firsthand in my own home. Higher costs of living on place a significant burden on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet, and I'm working in Congress to ensure that no one has to face even higher prices as we navigate these difficult times.
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused inflation around the globe through ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and workforce disruptions, spiking prices for everything from food and furniture to critical components for electronics and cars. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has made things worse, causing oil and gas prices to skyrocket and threatening global shortages of wheat and other key materials. Higher costs of housing, prescription drugs, and child care remain issues that began long before this recent global turmoil.
I'm focused on finding real solutions that can help solve these disruptions, and lower the costs of food, gas and fuel, housing, child care, health care, and the everyday essentials that Californians need to thrive. I've voted to strengthen American supply chains, boost U.S. manufacturing, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, cap the runaway costs of prescription drugs and child care, and create jobs by making more goods here in America.
Here's the bottom line: I am continuing to fight to lower food and gas prices and address overall inflation in Congress. You can read how by looking at my Inflation Action Plan.
In the meantime, please use this page to find immediate relief for you & your family, and take my survey on how I can best address your current needs.
I also encourage you to call my district offices for help navigating federal agencies.
Families need relief at the gas pump. That’s why I pushed the Biden-Harris Administration to release oil from our nation’s reserve to bring down gas prices. I’ll keep doing everything I can to push for relief that can help bring down gas prices while accelerating our transition away from fossil fuels to reduce our dependence on volatile and polluting energy sources.
Find Cheaper Gas
More Transportation Help:
Help with Groceries
As a member of House Agriculture Committee, I'm working every week to combat the supply chain disruptions and global turmoil that is driving up the cost of food and making it harder for Central Coast families to put meals on their tables. I helped get the Ocean Shipping Reform Act signed into law to crack down on inflated shipping prices that are driving up the costs of food. I also helped craft and pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act to slash prices in grocery aisles and at the gas pump by supporting America’s farmers and ranchers.
Resources for Renters, Landlords and Homeowners
Lack of affordable housing options and skyrocketing rents were a problem long before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the California housing crisis has only gotten worse in recent years. I've sponsored comprehensive legislation in Congress to address the affordable housing shortage in California and championed bills that have helped people keep a roof over their heads during these difficult times.
There are many programs that exist to help renters and homeowners alike:
For Homeowners:
For Renters:
For the Unhoused:
HELP WITH UTILITIES & BILLS
I've voted for legislation that has delivered over $400 million to reduce the heating and cooling costs for California's working families. I am continuing to push for investments that can drive down energy costs while promoting transition to clean energy sources and weatherization of our communities against the impacts of climate change.
Help with Energy Bills:
Help with Credit Card Bills:
More Help with Everyday Bills:
LOWERING HEALTH CARE COSTS
I believe that everyone has a right to accessible and affordable healthcare. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) passed in 2010, I have seen firsthand the direct impact of this legislation locally for communities and families across the Central Coast.
With the American Rescue Plan, we've dramatically lowered health care premiums for millions of Americans and helped enroll over a half a million new Californians on ACA health plans. I'm working to build on the savings delivered by the American Rescue Plan, on average $800 per person per year, with additional legislation to lower prescription drug costs (like insulin) and health care premiums.
Tax Cuts to Lower Health Insurance Premiums: The American Rescue Plan law that I voted for also expands tax cuts to lower premiums for people who buy their own health insurance.
Find Affordable Health Insurance:
Open enrollment on the health insurance marketplace has ended. But many may still qualify for coverage under some conditions, such as a new child or other circumstances.
Help with Surprise Medical Bills
Help with Medicare:
TAX RELIEF
The American Rescue Plan law that I voted for cut taxes for middle- and working-class families with children by expanding the Child Tax Credit in 2021: lowering the tax bills for more than 70,000 families on the Central Coast.
It’s a crucial source of relief that can help families pay for everything from groceries to child care. Many families received half of their expanded Child Tax Credit in monthly payments in 2021. In fact, the average California received $432 a month last year. This year, you may receive the other half of the full credit after you file your federal taxes.
For Families with Children:
Many families received half of their expanded Child Tax Credit in monthly payments in 2021. You may receive the other half of your tax credit after you file your federal taxes for 2021.
The American Rescue Plan also expanded eligibility for the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for many workers and families. This credit is fully refundable and may be a critical source of relief.
Additional Tax Relief:
You can click below to learn about more resources this tax season.
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Find the Status of Your Refund: Refunds are a crucial source of relief for many every year. Find out the status of yours.
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Open An Online Account: This year, we strongly encourage you to open an online account and file electronically to avoid delays.
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IRS Free File: You may be able to get tax preparation assistance for free or at low-cost. See if you qualify.
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Get a Past Refund: You may have up to three years to claim a past refund. Don’t miss out!
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2022 Filing Tips: See how to avoid tax delays with the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes our nation’s tax laws.
HELP FOR SENIORS
I know that inflation can hit those living on fixed-income, like older Americans, the hardest.
In the House of Representatives, I’m also pushing to let Medicare negotiate with drug companies for lower prices and protect the Medicare Trust Fund from financial insolvency to ensure seniors don't lose more of their hard-earned benefits to health care costs.
And I'm working to lower the costs of gas and groceries to ensure those on fixed-incomes can still use their benefits to make ends meet.
California seniors shouldn't have to pay more than three times what folks pay in other nations for their medicine while drug companies make huge profits. I've voted to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, and continue to push for this legislation to reach the President's desk.
Help with Medicare and Health Care:
Help with Social Security:
Additional Help for Seniors:
HELP FOR VETERANS
If you're having trouble with VA benefits, my team can help. Use the below resources or contact my office for help.
HELP FOR STUDENTS
American college students owe nearly $2 trillion in student loans.
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
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Career One Stop: Sponsored by the Department of Labor, this website connects people with employment, job training, resume help, and a variety of other resources.
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USAjobs.gov: Apply for employment with the federal government. Good paying jobs are available in fields as wide ranging as computer engineering, biologists, acquisitions and contracting, and much more.
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Employment Services for Seniors
START OR GROW A SMALL BUSINESS
Help from the U.S. Small Business Administration:
California Business Resources:
Local Resources:
COVID-19 HELP & RESOURCES
Find Where You Can Get Vaccinated or Boosted Now.
Children 6 months and older are now eligible for Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. I highly encourage you to get your child vaccinated so they can enjoy the summer and go back to school safely.
Testing Information
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