This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Close Up Region 5 students from Kern County during the annual Close Up Foundation trip to Washington, D.C. They asked me some great questions about California water issues, the appropriations process, and my work as their representative. I always enjoy welcoming constituents to our nation’s capital and seeing students using their voices in politics.

In the Central Valley, access to telehealth can mean the difference between early treatment and a serious medical emergency. With a shortage of doctors, long wait times, and clinics often miles away, too many families are struggling to get the care they need. That's why I was proud to help the House pass my bill, the Telehealth Network and Telehealth Resource Centers Grant Program Reauthorization Act, this week. This bipartisan bill ensures continued funding to expand telehealth services and is a practical way to improve access, reduce delays, and bring care closer to home. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this signed into law.  

On Monday, I had a productive meeting with San Joaquin Refining CEO Cyrus Mojibi to discuss small refinery issues. We spoke about the challenges small refineries face due to state-level regulations as debates around long-term fuel policy continue. San Joaquin Refining plays an important role in Kern County’s energy economy, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from the people working to ensure refiners have the certainty needed to continue supporting reliable fuel production in the Central Valley.

On Wednesday, I met with Bill Sciortino, who leads multiple senior living facilities in the Central Valley, along with representatives from the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA). We discussed workforce shortages facing our region and the critical need for a stable, reliable workforce to support the development of senior living communities. These facilities play a vital role in providing care, support, and a sense of community for older adults. I look forward to continuing our conversations about the ways Congress can help address these workforce challenges. 

This week, Team Valadao met with the Kings County Department of Public Health Directors to discuss the well-being of residents and the critical services they provide. They also sat down with Tulare City School District Superintendent Ira Porchia and discussed recent student achievements. At Wonderful College Prep Academy, the team presented a Congressional Record Statement honoring the school’s recognition as the 2026 California Charter Schools Association Charter School of the Year. They also joined the Soroptimist International Hanford’s 2026 Live Your Dream Annual Awards Banquet to present Certificates of Recognition to ten award recipients.

Later in the week, my staff met with Champions Recovery Executive Director Francisco Ruiz to discuss how my office can support their work helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. They also celebrated faculty and staff from the Kings County Office of Education who were honored at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards for going above and beyond in service to students. At the ribbon cutting for Hanford Post Acute, a new nursing and rehabilitation facility, my team presented a Certificate of Recognition. Later in Shafter, they presented a Certificate of Recognition to La Colonia for their Sidewalk Project, which is improving pedestrian safety and infrastructure. 

The team also attended the groundbreaking for the College of the Sequoias University Center, which will expand access to four-year degree programs for local students. They later joined the Tulare County Superior Court for the swearing-in ceremony of Judges Jason Taylor, Frank Ruiz, Roger Wilson, and Katrina Brownson. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, my staff attended a flag-raising ceremony hosted by Tulare Child Abuse Prevention Council to raise public awareness about violence against children. They also took part in Tulare’s Arbor Day celebration, marking the city’s 35th year as a Tree City USA community. Finally, in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the team went to the 26th annual Memorial Quilt viewing hosted by the Tulare County District Attorney.

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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