Quarterly Report

A note on the Affordable Care Act: Some consumers have received "cancellation" notices from their insurance companies. If your insurance has been recently cancelled, you may find a new policy that is cheaper and covers more of your medical needs if you go to Healthcare.gov. Your coverage is not being dropped. For many insurance companies, if you do nothing you will be automatically enrolled for coverage. However, I encourage everyone to search for a new plan that may better suit your needs for less!

Finally, please be aware of those acting fraudulently in the Marketplaces. Ask questions and stick to official sites like Healthcare.gov. To learn more about how to protect yourself, please visit this website. 

From Syria to SNAP to the Affordable Care Act and much more, these past few months in Congress have been interesting to say the least. This e newsletter will take you from August until now exploring my work in Congress. 

I spent much of August recovering from my knee replacement.

I was very grateful for everyone who supported me during my  recovery! 

Then, it was back to work.

Right after we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, we were responding to intelligence regarding the chemical attacks in Syria. I was pleased the President asked Congress to postpone the vote authorizing United States military action in Syria. I supported President Obama's decision to give the Syrian regime an opportunity to relinquish its chemical weaponry.

Gwen Weighs in on Syrian Conflict.

Shortly after, the House GOP continued their own fight against the poor in our nation. 

On September 19, House Republicans passed a bill that cuts nutrition funding by $40 billion. Once again, instead of working to help struggling Americans, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle chose to cater to the minority within their Party.  

Gwen Opposes Devastating SNAP Cuts.

Then some good news. On October 1, we marked a historic milestone for Wisconsin and the American people. Despite the futile resistance from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace opened as planned and the 2014 enrollment period will continue until March 31st. Coverage will begin as early as January 1st, 2014. 

The Affordable Care Act(ACA)offers an unprecedented opportunity to gain access to quality and affordable health care. I hosted  ACA forums to help educate my constituents on the benefits of this law. We, however, should not forget that due to Governor Walker's battle against our landmark health care reform law Wisconsin is not benefiting from the ACA as much as other states. Our governor, for example, cut more Wisconsinites from Medicaid than any other state in the nation. It doesn't end there. A new report explained why Wisconsin health insurance rates are dramatically higher than Minnesota's. 

Although October 1 was a powerful moment in our history, it was also marked by deep disappointment. I released a statement saying that I was dismayed and disgusted that the Republican Party had taken their ideological fight over Obamacare this far. On October 1, the GOP  not only pushed us to the brink of another manufactured crisis, they forced our country over the edge. Our government shut down due to partisan politics. Not only were our national parks closed, 800,000 federal government employees furloughed, billions of dollars lost from our economy, our housing recovery put at risk, but families of fallen soldiers were not receiving their survivor benefits. I stood with my colleagues in support of  the families of fallen soldiers, and this unintended consequence was rectified. 

Gwen Joins Tamron Hall to Discuss Honoring Fallen Soldiers.

Gwen Joins Representative Joaquin Castro and Bill Burton on Post Shutdown Chris Hayes Interview.

The GOP shutdown ended after 16 days, but the dysfunction did not end. Just a couple of weeks later, we saw more needless pain to both our economy and millions of Americas. On November 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)benefits were reduced for every person who relies on this vital lifeline. Approximately 48 million people across this nation and about 861,000 Wisconsinites were impacted by this cut. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, this cut is the equivalent of taking away 21 meals per month for a family of four. 

I stood with my colleagues in opposition to SNAP cuts!

Despite the current partisan climate in Congress, Democrats and I are forging ahead to help enact positive legislation. I recently sat on a panel in Milwaukee advocating for comprehensive immigration reform(CIR). In addition, I also sent a letter urging my colleagues to support CIR that protects and empowers women. 

Gwen Featured on CBS58 Latino Family Expo Coverage.

Gwen Advocates for Gun Violence Prevention.

We must also work to protect women in domestic violence situations. Last week, I joined my colleagues and Elvin Daniel(brother of Zina Daniel)to speak out against gun violence in domestic violence cases. I will soon offer legislation to help prevent gun related domestic violence tragedies. 

Whether I am fighting for SNAP, our landmark health care reform law or a host of other very important issues, I will continue to fight for you and raise your voice in the halls of  Congress. As always, feel free to reach out to either my Milwaukee office at(414)297-1140 or my DC office at(202)225-4572. 

All the best,

Gwen