Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (C-34) (shown sitting center in orange blazer) thanked Bell resident Idonia Ramos (shown far end on right in floral blouse) for welcoming her and more than two dozen of her friends and neighbors to an informal neighborhood gathering at her home.  The meeting provided the congresswoman an opportunity to meet the residents and share with them recent federal updates.

The congresswoman spoke about the importance of participating in the Census.  She explained that the amount of federal dollars allocated to communities for schools, hospitals, road projects and other necessities are determined by Census data and emphasized that every person who is counted in the Census, regardless of status, helps to bring federal funding for services that help the entire community.

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard also explained the highlights of the recent health care reform legislation signed into law, including: insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage due to preexisting conditions; insurance companies will not be allowed to drop policy holders from their health insurance plan when they become ill; seniors will receive 50 percent discounts on brand name drugs and the Medicare “donut hole” coverage gap will be eliminated; and children of policy holders can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until age 26.

The congresswoman also emphasized how her office is available to assist them.  Her constituent caseworkers are available to provide them with individual assistance with matters involving federal agencies.  In addition to regular constituent casework office hours in her Downtown Los Angeles office, the congresswoman invited them to visit one of her caseworkers in Bell, the 1st Wednesday of each month at the Bell Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon.  More information is available by calling (213) 628-9230.