On Tuesday I introduced a resolution designating this week as "National Farmers Market Week." This resolution honors contributions of Central Valley Farmers and recognizes the vital role farmers markets play in bridging the gap between rural and urban communities. The Central Valley grows a quarter of our nation’s food on less than 1% of our country’s farmland and the effort it takes to get food from the field to the table is often overlooked. Farmers markets offer the opportunity for farmers to sell directly to consumers and provide them with fresh, locally grown food. I am proud to recognize "National Farmers Market Week" and celebrate the many contributions of CA-22’s farmers and vendors that make these markets possible.

Farmers markets are a great way to purchase fresh, locally sourced produce while supporting small family farms and local agriculture. These markets also provide a unique opportunity for residents to connect directly with the growers in their community—learning more about where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and the process of getting food to your table. I want to hear from you!

Please take my survey below. Your feedback helps me stay connected and ensure that your voice is heard.

On Monday, Team Valadao attended a Community Health Center event in honor of National Health Center Week. They presented Congressional Certificates to various health centers across the central valley in recognition of their essential work providing healthcare services to our communities’ families.

On Tuesday, my team presented a Congressional Certificate at the Body Beautiful Elite Sculpting ribbon cutting in Bakersfield and also attended and presented a certificate at the Le Vestige Aesthetics ribbon cutting. We are excited to welcome all new small businesses to the Central Valley and celebrate the development of our communities and local economy. Team Valadao also attended National Night out in Porterville on Tuesday night in Centennial Park—an annual community-building event that promotes police-community partnerships that make our neighborhoods safer. My team also attended the Kings County Board of Supervisors meeting and the First 5 Kings County Commission meetings. First 5 promotes and supports the early development of children in their first five years of life.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao joined the Clinica Sierra Vista for its Partner Appreciation Day, held as part of National Health Center Week. This year's theme at Clinica Sierra Vista is “Celebrating 60 years of Progress”, highlighting the clinic’s long-standing commitment to improving the lives of Central Valley residents. We’re grateful for the opportunity to honor community health centers like Clinica Sierra Vista for the critical care they provide to preserve the wellbeing of Central Valley residents. 

Today, Team Valadao presented a certificate at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Hanford Joint Union High School District Office. We were proud to recognize this important investment in the students of Kings County. My team also attended the Corcoran Unified School Districts Annual Luncheon to discuss plans for the upcoming school year with educators. They also met with the Corcoran Chamber to discuss local economic initiatives and how we can support new businesses in the district. My team presented a congressional record statement to the J.G. Boswell Company for their 100th year Anniversary, recognizing a century of excellence, innovation, and their service to the Central Valley. Lastly, Team Valadao spoke at the Veterans Opportunity Event in Bakersfield. This event connects veterans with resources and allows them to meet fellow former service members and learn about the benefits that they have earned thanks to their service.

Trying to get an answer from a federal agency can often be a time-consuming and frustrating process. If you ever need help navigating a federal agency, you can visit my website here or call my Hanford office at (559) 460-6070. My team is ready to assist you!

Tratar de obtener una respuesta de una agencia federal a menudo puede ser un proceso frustrante y que requiere mucho tiempo. Si alguna vez necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, puede visitar mi sitio de web aquí o llamar a mi oficina de Hanford al (559) 460-6070. ¡Mi equipo está listo para ayudarte!

Our question this week comes from Jose in Hanford. "I am concerned with the increase in ICE activity in our communities, specifically on our farms. What is being done to help undocumented immigrants who contribute to our communities but do not have legal status?"

We can all agree that known serious offense criminals should be removed from the United States. But it is equally important that future operations are clearly communicated to avoid unnecessary fear among our farmworkers and other community members.

Migrants are essential to the Central Valley. They help drive our economy, strengthen our workforce, and sustain industries critical to our way of life. There are many undocumented immigrants who should not be grouped with those who commit crimes or exploit our asylum system. We need a process that allows certain undocumented immigrants—many of whom have been here for decades—to  earn legal status, and continue contributing to our communities without fear of deportation.

That’s why I cosponsored the Dignity Act—a commonsense, bipartisan bill that provides a seven-year legal status to law-abiding undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. This legislation restores law and order, addresses labor shortages, recognizes the contributions of long-standing community members, and supports American industries.

It is past time for Congress to enact reasonable immigration reform that secures our border while honoring the dignity of those who have built their lives here. The Dignity Act is a strong first step toward comprehensive reform, and I will continue working to get it across the finish line. I remain committed to ensuring ICE and Border Patrol operate in a way that protects both our national security and the interests of the Central Valley.

If you know someone who has been improperly detained by ICE, please reach out to one of my district offices. You can reach my Hanford office at (559) 460-6070 or my Bakersfield office at (661) 864-7736.

Do you have a question about my position on an issue? How the Congress operates? My thoughts on the news of the day?

Send your first name, town, and question to AskDavid@mail.house.gov and I might answer yours right here in one of my weekly newsletters. Make sure to subscribe to my weekly email updates to see if your question was answered!

If you want to share your opinion with me on issues of importance, you can always contact me on my website.

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