I'd like to congratulate Emily Romero of Hanford High School on her winning entry for the Congressional Art Competition, July 7, 2012. Her piece beautifully captures the spirit of a local county fair while celebrating the traditions of classic Americana, which are especially meaningful as we approach America's 250th anniversary.


I'd like to thank all the talented students across California's 22nd Congressional District who shared their artwork and look forward to seeing Emily's piece every time I walk through the U.S. Capitol.

Earlier this week, I visited the site of the new Stormwater Enhancements Project in the City of Corcoran. With $2 million in direct funding that I helped secure through the Fiscal Year 2026 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, this project will build green infrastructure, permeable pavement, and vegetated swales to improve stormwater drainage and enhance water quality. As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I’m always proud to see federal investments making a real difference for the Central Valley.

This week, Team Valadao presented Certificates of Recognition to the American Cancer Society at the 35th Annual Relay for Life of Bakersfield and to Parade Grand Marshal Margaret Rodriguez Ramirez at the Shafter Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival. My staff also attended the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Chick-fil-A in Tulare and presented Certificates of Recognition to the Kern Community Foundation during their Give Big Kern Watch Party in honor of their fundraising efforts.

In Kings and Tulare Counties, my staff met with Kings County Behavioral Health, the Rotary Club of Hanford, and the Salvation Army Hanford Corps Officer to receive updates on programs and services available to local families. The team also met with Hanford Police Chief Stephanie Huddleston to discuss public safety priorities and ways our office can support local law enforcement efforts. In addition, staff attended the 29th Annual Once Upon a Dream Gala for CASA of Tulare, celebrating 41 years of service to children and families in Tulare County, and joined the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at the Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony honoring Deputy Randy Hoppert and all law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

My staff also recognized Richland School District leadership, board members, and project partners during the ribbon cutting for Sequoia Elementary School’s new TK/Kindergarten classrooms and playground expansion. The team attended the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Education Champions of the Year Ceremony honoring local Teachers of the Year, as well as the Tulare County Farm Bureau annual meeting and the Hanford Joint Union High School District State of the District Luncheon. To wrap up the week, my office recognized students from Wasco Union High School’s Migrant Speech and Debate Program, SkillsUSA Team, and Interact Club for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year.

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 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!

Did you know you can now sign up for texts from my office to stay up to date on my work in Washington D.C.? To sign up to receive updates from me directly to your phone, just text VALADAO to (559) 387-4346 and you will be automatically subscribed. You can also sign up for text alerts using this form here.  

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