I’ve heard from many business owners throughout the Valley about their frustrations with the significant delay in receiving their Employee Retention Tax Credit claims. This program, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to help businesses keep their employees on payroll. Unfortunately, the program has faced many challenges and as a result thousands of small business owners are in limbo about the status of their claim. This week I sent a follow-up letter to IRS Commissioner Werfel to demand answers for Central Valley businesses. I’m committed to ensuring they receive the clarity and support they deserve. Read the full letter here.

CityServe is a faith-based charity dedicated to serving communities in need across the United States. On Thursday I toured their new housing facility under construction in Bakersfield. This new facility will provide housing for over 100 teens and adults recently released from prison/rehabilitation centers who are transitioning to everyday life. CityServe also offers educational and training programs to equip these individuals for successful reintegration into the workforce. It was great to see firsthand the impact their work will have on our community.

On Thursday I visited the Shafter-Wasco Irrigation District (SWID). While there I received a tour from General Manager Kris Lawrence of SWID’s canal and new turnout project. Facilities like this are essential to ensuring a reliable water supply for Central Valley communities. We discussed how I can support their efforts to strengthen water infrastructure in the region.

In collaboration with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Rep. Vince Fong and I toured the Hilton Garden Inn in Bakersfield this week. This behind-the-scenes visit offered us the opportunity to see firsthand the daily operations and challenges faced by the hospitality industry. We discussed a range of topics including safety and the impact of California’s homelessness crisis on local businesses.

Attention Social Security beneficiaries: The Social Security Administration has recently announced their annual cost-of-living increase to benefits. Beginning in 2025 beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% increase in your Social Security benefits. This adjustment will take place automatically, with no action required by beneficiaries. If you are contacted to take steps to receive your increased benefits, this is a scam! You can report fraud to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General here.

Atención beneficiarios de la Seguridad Social: La Administración de la Seguridad Social ha anunciado el aumento anual de los beneficios por el costo de la vida. A partir de 2025, los beneficiarios pueden esperar un aumento del 2,5 % en sus beneficios de la Seguridad Social. Este ajuste tendrá lugar de forma automática, sin necesidad de realizar ninguna acción. Si se ponen en contacto con usted para que tome medidas para recibir el aumento de sus beneficios- es una estafa! Puede denunciar el fraude a la Oficina del Inspector General de la Administración de la Seguridad Social aquí.

Our question this week comes from Gene. He asks:

"Is Congress going to come back to meet to appropriate money for the damaged south-east?"

Thanks for your question, Gene. It’s been heartbreaking to see the devastation that has been left in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by these storms.

I agree with you that the Federal Government has a responsibility to respond and provide funding for relief and cleanup efforts. Before the October district work period, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution that extended FEMA’s current level of funding of $20 billion and added flexibility for the agency to spend that money quickly. I fully expect Congress to pass legislation this year to appropriate additional funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Currently FEMA is at work supporting survivors in the immediate aftermath of the storms. Despite some misinformation circulating recently, FEMA is not at immediate risk of running out of funds. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has made clear that they have resources necessary to respond to both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. As we transition from immediate relief to rebuilding efforts, additional funds will be needed from Congress. States and communities impacted by the storm are still assessing the damage and calculating the costs of the damages. This process takes time, especially after such a significant event. Once a full assessment is completed, Congress will be able to act accordingly and provide the necessary funding.

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