Dear [firstname],
It's been a busy week here in the 22nd District. Read below for an update on my work on behalf of the Central Valley. Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive regular updates on what's happening in D.C. and the Central Valley. Know someone who would want to read this newsletter? Make sure to forward it to a friend!
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This week, I met with local business owners and representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss the various transportation needs of the Valley. Over 50% of California roads are in poor condition, and when nearly 80% of our citizens drive to work, this is an issue that can’t be ignored. Alongside local agricultural, government, transportation, and business leaders, I discussed ways to strengthen Central Valley infrastructure and improve our transportation systems. By addressing these shortcomings and supporting the reauthorization of critical transportation funding, I will continue working to ensure that Valley drivers have a safe and reliable commute.
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On Monday, I met with Dr. Pfluger, President of Bakersfield College and Dr. Hancock, Interim Kern Community College District Chancellor, to receive updates on projects happening across the college’s campuses. For over 110 years, Bakersfield College has served our community as an educational hub for career development, providing students with opportunities for technical education and workforce preparation. With additions such as the Agricultural Hub and the expansion of student housing, Bakersfield College is continuing to invest in its students, helping ensure it remains a cornerstone of opportunity for generations of students to come.
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Earlier this week, I met with Recology to tour their composting facility, Blossom Valley Organics. Since 2003, Recology’s facility in Lamont has been providing high-quality compost to farms and communities throughout the Valley and across the United States. Its 150-acre compound plays an important role in returning nutrients to the soil and supporting healthy, productive farmland. I am grateful for the opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about their important work.
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This week, I had a great meeting with Brandy Charles, the new Superintendent of Lamont Elementary School District. During our meeting, I received updates on programs and services made available to students and their families. We continued our conversation with the Lamont Family Resource Staff to discuss ways that we can continue to support not only our students but also the greater community. I appreciate the district and its staff for their commitment to providing supportive services in our community.
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I enjoyed my tour of Adventist Health’s Cardiac Cath Lab expansion in Hanford this week. During the tour, I met with their leadership team and healthcare providers to discuss the impact this expansion will have on Central Valley patients. Ensuring Valley residents have access to quality, lifesaving care has always been one of my top priorities, and this expansion does just that. I appreciate Adventist Health’s dedication to advancing cardiac care in our region and providing Central Valley families with the care they need.
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I met with Tom Collishaw, the CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, where I was given a tour of the Palm Terrace affordable housing community. We had a great conversation concerning challenges facing rural housing programs and ways that I can continue to support housing development across the Central Valley. Expanding access to affordable housing is essential for Valley families, and I will continue to advocate for policies and resources that help meet the region’s needs.
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This week, Team Valadao presented a Congressional Record at Clinica Sierra Vista’s 55th Anniversary Health Fair and Corporate Office ribbon cutting. The team went to the Shafter Aquatics Center grand opening and then attended the ALS Network Support Group in Bakersfield to hear from Valley families experiencing challenges with ALS. My staff attended the Visalia Elks Lodge 10th Annual Honor the Badge event, celebrating first responders and public safety staff.
My staff went to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors meeting, then attended the Medal of Valor & Proclamation Ceremony for Detective Randy Hoppert. They then visited the CSUB Grimm Family Center for Agricultural Business, they also stopped by the Veteran Success Center to speak with staff. The team went to the Executive Business Roundtable meeting to meet with local business owners in Bakersfield.
Later, my staff toured the Bakersfield PACE senior care facility then met with the Kern Autism Network executive director, Ramona Puget to discuss resources they provide for local families. Along with community leaders and parents, Team Valadao attended the Greenfield Family Resources Center Collaborative meeting. They also went to the Lost Hills Water District Board meeting, and later met with Veronica Gregory, Principal of Lost Hills School District.
The team met with Ana Chavez from the Lost Hills Utility District to discuss community services they provide. To end their week, Team Valadao met with Shawn Kennemer, President of Bakersfield ARC for a tour of their Riverfront Manor location which provides support services in Kern County for adults with developmental disabilities.
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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!
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Do you have a question about my position on an issue? How the Congress operates? My thoughts on the news of the day?
Send your first name, town, and question to AskDavid@mail.house.gov and I might answer yours right here in one of my weekly newsletters. Make sure to subscribe to my weekly email updates to see if your question was answered!
If you want to share your opinion with me on issues of importance, you can always contact me on my website.
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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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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.
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David G.Valadao Member of Congress
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