January 07, 2014

Rep. Mark Takano Releases Year-End Report for California’s 41st Congressional District

Washington DC – Earlier today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) released his year-end report for California’s 41st Congressional District.
 
“Throughout 2013, my staff and I were committed to providing a level of constituent services and representation that residents of the Inland Empire have not had in decades,” said Rep. Takano. “This report, which shows that my office returned over $1 million in benefits to constituents, held numerous town halls, and responded to thousands of residents letters shows that while we have much more work to do, we are on the right path. It is a tremendous honor to serve Inland Empire residents as a member of Congress, and my office and I look to provide even greater results in 2014 and beyond.”
 
Key highlights include:
 
Constituent Services and Outreach
  • Closed nearly 250 cases and returned more than $1.1 million in benefits to residents, including:
    • Veterans Administration Entitlement Benefits - $1,000,649
    • Social Security Benefits - $87,090
    • Department of Defense Benefits - $17,440
    • Internal Revenue Services - $1,191
  • Began “100 Businesses in 100 Days” Tour of local Inland Empire businesses.
  • Actively worked to educate residents about grant opportunities and helped local organizations secure funds. Key highlights include:
    • The district received $35 million in grants from the Department of Health and Human Services.
    • Ensured $75 million Small Starts Grant to the Riverside County Transportation Commission was not rescinded during ongoing litigation and that construction was not halted during the government shutdown.
    • Hosted a grants workshop in September with more than 50 attendees. Presenters included the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Corporation for Community Service.
    • Wrote 14 letters of support for grant applications from local organizations.
  • Conducted multiple town halls throughout the district on various issues, including immigration reform, the Affordable Care Act, veterans’ issues, and education.
  • Responded to more than 13,000 letters from constituents.
Legislative Action
  • Legislation Introduced by Rep. Takano
    • VetSuccess Enhancement Act (H.R.844)
    • Job Skills for America’s Students Act (H.R.1271)
    • Work Study for Student Veterans Act (H.R.1453)
    • Access to Complete Education Act (H.R.2897)
    • Warriors’ Peer-Outreach Pilot Program Act (H.R.3056)
  • As Democratic Lead
    • The Veterans Paralympic Act (H.R.1402) with Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
    • The Servicemembers’ Choice in Transition Act (H.R.631) with Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX)
    • The Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial Act (H.R.330) with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
    • H.R.331 with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
    • Improving Job Opportunities for Veterans Act (H.R.1412) with Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
  • Key Legislation Co-Sponsored
    • Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (H.R.11)
    • Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (H.R.15)
    • GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R.357)\
    • The Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R.377)
    • Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013 (H.R.850) 
    • United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2013 (H.R.938) 
    • Invest in American Jobs Act of 2013 (H.R.949)
    • Student Loan Relief Act of 2013 (H.R.1595) 
    • Student Non-Discrimination Act of 2013 (H.R.1652) 
    • The Employment Nondiscrimination Act (H.R.1755)
    • Social Security Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R.1795) 
    • Helping Homeless Veterans Act of 2013 (H.R.2485) 
    • Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 (H.R.3118) 
  • Key Votes
    • Opposed every effort to defund, dismantle or undermine the Affordable Care Act
    • Voted in favor of the Violence Against Women Act
    • Voted in favor of the bipartisan Water Resources Reform & Development Act of 2013.
    • Voted to end the government shutdown
    • Voted in favor of the bipartisan budget agreement