Whether I'm home in the Central Valley or working in Washington, affordability is one of the biggest concerns I hear from families. But if Congress is serious about making life more affordable, we must fix our broken immigration system. 

The Central Valley’s economy depends on agriculture, construction, and hospitality—all industries that need a stable, legal workforce. When employers can’t find enough workers, crops go unharvested, projects are delayed, supply chains tighten, and businesses face higher costs. 

As a lifelong dairyman, these are realities that I understand firsthand.

When input costs for producers go up, we see higher prices for everyday goods. A functioning legal immigration system helps keep our economy moving and makes it easier to bring costs down.

This week, I discuss this issue in depth in my op-ed for the San Joaquin Valley Sun.

I enjoyed meeting with President Harper of California State University, Bakersfield, to learn more about the university’s plans to expand educational opportunities for students in our region. For over 60 years, CSU Bakersfield has played a key role in preparing the next generation of skilled workers by providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and workforce development resources. With the expansion of new programs and resources, I’m confident the university will continue supporting student success and remain a leading institution in the CSU system. I appreciate President Harper's time and look forward to our continued conversations.

This week, I was honored to receive the Pioneer for Prosperity award from Americans for Prosperity (AFP). Each Congress, AFP recognizes lawmakers who stand up for sound policies and work with activists in their communities to address the challenges facing American families. I’m proud to be part of that work, and I’ll continue fighting for policies that help families get ahead and build a stronger future.

To start the week, Team Valadao attended the 31st Annual Golf Tournament Luncheon hosted by Soroptimist International of Delano and celebrated the organization’s continued impact on the community. They also joined the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to present Certificates of Recognition to local scholarship recipients. On Tuesday, my staff attended the Goodwill Industries of South Central California ribbon-cutting ceremony in Bakersfield before meeting with the Kings County Board of Supervisors in Hanford. Later, they attended the 15th Annual El Grito de Dolores celebration of Mexican Independence Day and presented certificates to students recognized through the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce scholarship program.

On Wednesday, Team Valadao joined Kings County Behavioral Health for the 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Walk before heading to the Tulare Fair for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the Tulare County Quilts for Patriots event. In Kern County, my staff met with local veterans at the Portrait of a Warrior Vietnam Rat Pack’s weekly meeting. They also met with the Shafter Community Collaborative and McFarland Unified School District to discuss the new school year and how my office can be of assistance. Later, Team Valadao joined the Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce for the grand opening of Love Sushi, a new restaurant in Bakersfield. The day wrapped up with a ride-along with the Arvin Police Department, giving my team an opportunity to see firsthand the work our local law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe.

On Thursday, my staff toured the Tule River Parkway before attending the Imagine Art Center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Porterville. Later, they joined Community Services Employment Training for its 50th anniversary celebration at the Charter Oak Ballroom and presented a Congressional Record Statement recognizing the organization’s five decades of service to the people of Tulare County. Then, my staff visited Bakersfield College’s industrial automation lab to learn more about its work preparing students for careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing across California. Team Valadao also met with the Porterville Memorial District Board of Directors and attended the annual Porterville Celebrates Reading literacy fair.

To wrap up the week, my staff met with the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Government Review Council and the California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Economic Development. Finally, Team Valadao attended the Exceptional Family Center’s 15th Annual Spanish-Speaking Conference to support families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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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