I met with Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderon and City Manager Jeff Jones to hear firsthand about the city’s needs, priorities, and infrastructure projects. We discussed my continued support for Medicaid, pro-growth tax reform in H.R. 1, the Farmworker Modernization Act, and the city’s Fourth Street Project, which I’ve advocated for FY26 Community Project Funding. I also received updates on the city’s wastewater facility repairs and public safety improvements. I look forward to working alongside Arvin’s leadership as they advocate for infrastructure, public health, and economic opportunity in the city.

This week I toured the Valley Achievement Center (VAC), a local organization that provides education and life skills training to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. With multiple program sites across Bakersfield, VAC plays a vital role in serving children and adults—making a real difference in their quality of life. Supporting organizations like VAC ensures that every Central Valley resident has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. I’m committed to advocating for their continued support, so that no one in the Central Valley is left behind. 

Today I spoke at the ribbon cutting of CAPK’s new Central Kitchen in Bakersfield — a major step forward in feeding families in need in our community. The new facility will prepare thousands of meals each day for children and seniors across Kern County. CAPK’s mission to fight poverty and hunger is something I am committed to supporting, and this kitchen will be a vital resource in expanding access to nutritious meals across our community. I’ll keep fighting for resources that strengthen food access and community health in each corner of our district.

This week, Team Valadao attended the Delano to Pixley Mainline Improvement Project Groundbreaking Ceremony. The project will add a third lane in each direction on Highway 99 for 14 miles to improve safety for travelers. My team attended the Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency Meeting where the Mid Kings River GSA Board continued consideration on the adoption of a Domestic Well Mitigation Program. Team Valadao met with the San Esteban Circle of Terra Bella, a cultural icon in the district that serves as a social club for Filipinos and hosts annual dance events. My team also attended the ribbon cutting for the Caltrans and City of Delano Clean CA Project—celebrating the new walking trail and artwork near State Route 99.

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 Sylvia in Porterville. “Can you please explain what ‘enhance tax deductions for seniors’ means? It sounds no different than no tax for seniors. When does this take effect?”

H.R. 1’s tax provisions puts money back into the pockets of hard working Americans, but notably increases tax deductions for seniors. H.R. 1 introduces a $6,000 deduction for eligible individuals 65 and older on top of the increased standard deduction rate set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). The goal of this deduction is to provide targeted tax relief to seniors whether they are claiming the standard deduction or not. This deduction is available to claim from 2025 to 2028 and excludes single filers making over $75,000 and joint filers making over $150,000.

This new deduction is a broader commitment to supporting older Americans who have contributed to our communities and economy for decades. As the cost of living continues to rise, especially for those on fixed incomes, it's important that our tax code offers relief where it’s most needed. By easing the financial burden on seniors, H.R. 1 helps ensure they can better afford essential services like healthcare, housing, and groceries.

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

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