Temporary End to Government Shutdown
A short-term deal has been reached to end the government shutdown for three weeks, paving the way for federal workers to be paid. It's unacceptable that they have missed two paychecks. I'm hopeful under the leadership of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, our San Francisco representative, they won't miss anymore and a permanent solution will be reached soon. In the event of another impasse, I wanted to make sure you know that unemployment benefits may be an option. Please visit the California Employment Development Department's website here for more information.
Saving Seton
Seton Medical Center in Daly City and Seton Coastside in Moss Beach are among a group of medical facilities that The KPC Group has offered to buy from Verity Health System. While the sale still needs approval from the California Attorney General, as well as a Federal Court, the bid is a great step toward making sure area residents continue to have access to quality healthcare.
So much is at stake if Seton Medical Center closes, especially since 80 percent of its patients are low-income families and seniors. The 28,000 patients who go to the emergency room every year would have to travel farther away for lifesaving care. In addition, the loss of Daly City's largest employer would have a devastating economic impact on the region. Likewise, the closure of Seton's Moss Beach location would have similar consequences. The 116-bed skilled nursing facility offers the only stand-by emergency department along the 55-mile stretch of coastline between Daly City and Santa Cruz.
Celebrating the Lunar New Year
It's the Year of the Pig! Please join me, along with State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember David Chiu and State Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, for a Lunar New Year celebration.
We are hosting a reception on Friday, February 22, from 2 - 4 p.m. at the State Building:
Ronald M. George State Office Complex Lobby
455 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
By gathering as a community, we strengthen our bonds for a better future of peace, prosperity and health. I hope to see you there!
Gung hay fat choy.
Sincerely,
Phil Ting
Assemblymember, 19th District