Dear [firstname]

It’s been a busy month in the Central Valley. I’ve attended several events and meetings during this district work period to learn more about issues impacting our community and how I can best represent you in Congress. Read more below for an update on how I've spent my time this  August.

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive regular updates on my work.

I hosted an agriculture roundtable to discuss how drought, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions are impacting ag in the Valley. We had a productive conversation about these issues and ways to support our farmers so they can continue providing food for the nation.

I was happy to attend the groundbreaking for phase 2 of the Tule River Spillway enlargement project at Schafer Dam and Success Lake. Raising the dam will reduce flood risk to downstream communities & increase water storage capacity to better prepare for drought.

Read: 

• Stop playing politics with water
• Valadao, McCarthy request documents from Department of Interior Amid ongoing drought 
• Republicans send letter expressing 'grave concerns' over reconsideration of water policy 
• California GOP presses Interior on biological opinions

We need to make sure our smaller police departments in the Central Valley have the resources they need to keep our communities safe. I went on a ride along with the Delano Chief of Police Tyson Davis and we had a productive conversation about addressing homelessness and drugs in our community. We also met with our Kern County District Attorney to discuss public safety issues.

I also met with McFarland Police Chief Kenny Williams to talk about how we can best support our rural departments. I'm proud to support legislation in Congress that would provide grants to our smaller departments in the Valley to help recruit and train qualified candidates.

Read: 

• Congressman Valadao Introduces Legislation to Address Police Shortage
• Why we must invest to protect our communities

Nonprofit organizations carry out vital work to help better the lives of families throughout our Central Valley community. In honor of National Nonprofit Day on August 17th, I met with different nonprofits to learn more about their work and how I can support their efforts in Congress:

United Way of Kern County strives to enhance the lives of Kern County residents by improving education, health, and financial stability in our community. I met with their team and discussed expanding work opportunities for underserved youth. 

Too many families in the Valley don't know where their next meal is coming from. I was proud to secure more funding in this year's annual government funding bill to combat food insecurity, and this month I stopped by a few of our local food banks to learn more about their services:

Kings Community Action Organization gave me a tour of their food bank in Lemoore. I enjoyed learning more about their food delivery and nutrition education programs and future plans to continue helping our community.

Gold Empire Gleaners collects and distributes food and agricultural products that might otherwise go to waste. I met with their Executive Director to discuss expanding food distribution to reduce food insecurity in the Valley. 

Read: 

• Food bank expansion expected to help fight hunger

Making sure Valley residents have access to reliable and affordable healthcare is one of my top priorities. I toured Adventist Health‘s Rural Health Clinic in Hanford to discuss the healthcare needs of rural communities in the Valley.

I had a productive conversation with the President & CEO of Valley Children's Hospital to discuss the Strengthen Kids' Mental Health Now Act.

Read: 

• Strengthen Kids' Mental Health Now Bill Would Invest in Mental Health

• Congressman Valadao Supports Expansion of Telehealth Services

My office is proud to partner with the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration to honor our Vietnam Veterans. This month I had the honor of recognizing a group of vets in Kerman for their selfless service to our country. If you are a Vietnam Veteran or know one and would like to sign up for my office’s next commemoration ceremony, sign up here.

Read: 

• Congressman Valadao Applauds Historic Investment in Veterans 

• Vets can apply for all PACT Act benefits now after VA speeds up law

As we head into the upcoming legislative session in DC, I want to hear about what issue is top of mind for you and your family. What issue is currently most concerning to you? 

I'll be using this newsletter as a way to keep you updated on my work in Congress. Make sure to sign up for regular updates and follow my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with my work.