Over the last thirty days, I’ve been working for you! From repairing our supply chain, preserving our water supply to countering domestic violence. Here are some highlights:
Building a Medical School in the Valley
Access to quality healthcare in the San Joaquin Valley is a serious challenge that cannot be ignored. We don’t have enough doctors and nurses for our growing population, a problem only made worse by the pandemic.
Last week, Governor Newsom, Assemblyman Adam Gray, Senator Anna Caballero, Chancellor Munoz, and I announced a $200 million investmentto UC Merced to build its health education building. This is a huge win for our Valley, our students, and its residents! This is the foundation for a medical school in our Valley.
For 40 years I have worked with others to build a medical school in the Valley. I’ve introduced legislation to establish medical training in areas of high need, with priorities for funding given to institutions, such as UCSF Fresno and UC Merced. I will keep fighting until we make it happen, and with our state-federal partnership we can get the job done.
Preserving Valley Water
Amid the drought crisis, we must do all we can to provide a sustainable reliable water supply to our communities. That is why, I led aletter with Reps. Garamendi and Harder to state and federal agencies expressing concerns about new filings in California’s lawsuit challenging the Central Valley Project (CVP) and protections for endangered fish species, would make this effort more difficult.
In addition, we joined Senator Feinstein in a letter calling to delay implementation of the interim operating plan for the CVP and the State Water Project. It’s essential that we bring everyone to the table to develop a workable and flexible water plan that gives balance to our communities, farmers, and the environment.
Repairing our Supply Chain
We have a crisis in our ports. The pandemic has disrupted nearly every aspect of our global supply chain, which is delaying shipments of everything from food to retail to healthcare supplies.
To fix these supply chain issues, I co-sponsored the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021. This legislation, which we hope to get passed by the end of the year, will update federal regulations for the global shipping industry, support American exports, and reduce trade imbalances with China and other countries.
I joined Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren to discuss the ports issues and how passing this legislation and the bipartisan infrastructure package will help.
Uplifting Social Security
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2022 will increase by by 6%, the largest since 1982. As we recover from the pandemic, it’s critical that our seniors have access to the benefits they deserve to meet their needs and keep up with rising costs.
In addition, I joined my colleagues and social security advocates to introduce the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act, of which I am a co-sponsor. This transformative bill will enhance and expand benefits to our most vulnerable and ensure all seniors can retire with dignity!
Strengthening diplomatic relations
I was honored to join a congressional delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s 67th Annual Session, where we voted on resolutions pertaining to relations with Russia, the ongoing crisis in Belarus, and the role of disinformation in society.
In Tashkent, our delegation met with Uzbek government leaders to convey our appreciation for the support Uzbekistan provided to the U.S.-led evacuation efforts from Afghanistan and discuss regional security challenges.
Countering Domestic Violence
For National #DomesticViolenceAwareness month, I spoke on the house floor to raise awareness of the social and physical impacts of domestic violence. As Chairman and Co-Founder of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, it’s my priority to advocate for survivors and provide them the resources they deserve.
This week, I proudly voted for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA), of which I am a co-sponsor. This bill will expand funding for programs protecting survivors and preventing domestic violence. We must continue to work together to end this crisis once, and for all.
Bringing back Federal Funding
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced a $177 million award to repair the Friant-Kern Canal, to deliver water to more than 1 million acres of farmland and 250,000 residents. I applaud these efforts to repair our water infrastructure & bring more water to our Valley!
To bridge the digital divide for Valley students, I helped secure funding through the Emergency Connectivity fund for Valley schools and public libraries, including:
Chowchilla Union High School District – $104,793.00
Fresno Unified School District – $23,039,556.00
Delhi Unified School District – $79,118.75
Big Picture High School – Fresno – $54,540.00
To protect and conserve America’s public lands. The U.S. Interior Department announced an $11 million award to protect and support land acquisition projects in California.
Do you need help with a Federal Agency?
If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, my district offices may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need.
Residents of the 16th Congressional District of California can call or email us for assistance in dealing with federal agencies. Learn more about seeking help with a federal agency.
Child Tax Credit
I am proud to support the expanded child tax credit to uplift work families. The credit is fully refundable and estimated to cut our national child poverty rate in half.
For more information please visit, IRS.gov/childtaxcredit. If you are having trouble receiving your payments, call my district offices for assistance.
Medicare Open Enrollment
It’s that time of the year! The Medicare open enrollment period has begun. You can find or update your plan through December 7, 2021. Visit medicare.gov for more information.
As we move forward, I will continue to fight to advance your interests and address your concerns as I represent you in Washington. Please remember that my staff and I are here to help. If my office can assist you, please contact us.
The Fresno County Democratic Party has added a new organizer to its team: Bianca Orejel:
“I was raised in the Central Valley by my second-generation immigrant family. After seeing my grandparents go through the immigration process, I realized how broken and fragile our system was.
“Having a family separated by a border was nothing new, and once I began to realize how common it was I wanted to do something. I got involved in my local Congress member’s race after realizing that it all starts with electing the correct person.
“During my time volunteering, I fell in love with public service and helping people who don’t have a voice.”
Thank you to all that joined the redistricting hearings on October 16th. The next redistricting hearing will be held this Thursday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Fresno City Hall and Zoom. The hearing will be held in-person and virtually to ensure you have the opportunity to participate.
Each district is redrawn based on the newest U.S. Census data, and your input is essential to determine where the new district lines should be drawn. The City of Fresno is hoping to engage with as many residents and community members as possible during the redistricting process. Please consider sharing the hearing information with your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Miguel Angel Arias Councilmember, District 3
NOVEMBER 4, 2021 REDISTRICTING HEARING
JOIN US IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY! *MASKS REQUIRED*
6:00 p.m. – Fresno City Hall Council Chambers
2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Register in advance for the Zoom webinar
You may submit your proposed map and/or comments by email or mail. Phone: (559) 621-2489 Email: RedistrictFresno@fresno.gov Mail: 2600 Fresno Street
Room 2097
Fresno, CA 93721
REDISTRIBUCIÓN DE DISTRITOS 4 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2021
¡ÚNESE A NOSOTROS EN PERSONA O VIRTUALMENTE!
*MASCARAS REQUERIDAS*
6:00 p.m. – Municipal de Fresno Municipal de Fresno
2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721
Regístrese con anticipación para el seminario web de Zoom.
Puede enviar su mapa y/o comentarios por correo electrónico o correo. Teléfono: (559) 621-2489 Correo electrónico: RedistrictFresno@fresno.gov Correo: 2600 Fresno Street
Sala 2097
Fresno, CA 93721
Donate » We’re so proud of the leadership of these great Californians, and want to make sure California continues to lead the nation for years to come.
Thank you for helping us build the bench of Democratic leaders and win up and down the ballot, Michael.
-Onward!
California Democratic Party
DONATE »Our Democratic leaders are working hard to make California a better place to live. From fighting for good-paying jobs, combating climate change, to expanding healthcare access so all Californians can lead safe, healthy, prosperous lives — California’s Democratic leaders turn progressive ideas into meaningful action.
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing on Tuesday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fresno County Hall of Records (located at 2281 Tulare Street, Room 301 Fresno, CA 93721).
I want to thank South Tower residents for raising awareness to the speeding issue in neighborhoods and for offering a solution. For some time, the City had a policy prohibiting the installation of speed bumps/humps on streets; therefore, during Thursday’s Council meeting, I presented a resolution to rescind the ban and establish a District 3 Pedestrian Safety pilot program.
The City Council approved the resolution, and the pilot will inform the creation of a city-wide policy that will be brought forward to Council within 90 days. Again, I want to thank the residents who lead this effort!
If you would like for your neighborhood to be added to a list to be studied for possible installation of speed management measures, send us an email or give us a call with street names.
Join us for the next City Council meeting on Thursday 11/04/21. To view items on the agenda, please click on the following link.
Agenda: tinyurl.com/AgendaGranicus
Also, as of 10/28/2021 the City of Fresno has switched from PrimeGov to Granicus for all Council, Board, and Commission meetings. From now on, you can visit fresno.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
to view all agendas, supporting documents, and to make public comments.
WHO: Fresno City Council WHERE: City Hall and Zoom WHEN: Thursday, November 4 at 9 a.m.
NEW PARKS IN DISTRICT 3
Two new parks are coming to District 3 and we need resident involvement to help design them!
What is currently an empty lot on N. Broadway St. and E. Elizabeth St. (Tower District) will become a neighborhood park.
Renovations will be taking place at San Pablo Park and at Ted C. Wills Community Center.
Additionally, the 10-acre land on MLK Blvd. and E. Church Ave. was recently acquired and it will become a historic regional park in Southwest Fresno. Renovations will also be taking place in community centers in Southwest Fresno. As always, I want to keep you fully informed and engage you in building safer, vibrant neighborhoods, so please reach out to our office to join a District 3 Parks Design Committee. Opportunities for the broader community to provide input is currently being planned. To help lead the park design process, please contact our office.
Don’t forget to come out tonight to enjoy Fresno’s best food trucks!
It all begins at 6 p.m. at Chinatown.
There will be:
Various food trucks and food stands
Desserts
Music
K-pop pop-up &
Shopping
Let’s support our small businesses!
Corner of Kern/G to Kern/E Streets 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Free Admission
BOO-TIFY FRESNO CLEANUP EVENT
There will be a Halloween-themed cleanup in the Tower District tomorrow morning. Cleanup areas will be on both sides of Olive from Floradora Avenue down to Elizabeth St, between Echo and San Pablo Avenue
Participants are encouraged to arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit!
We will have candy bags and resources at our table. We look forward to seeing you at thisspooktacular event!
Date: Saturday, October 30, 2021 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Location: Meet at Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen (1279 N Wishon Ave)
PARKWAY DRIVE BEAUTIFY FRESNO CLEANUP EVENT
Date: Saturday, November 6, 2021 Address: 1280 N. Crystal Avenue Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
A cleanup event will be held in the Parkway Drive area on Saturday, November 6, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Beautify Fresno will provide trash bags, paper pickers, vests, and gloves.
See you there!
Please register at: BeautifyFresno.org
REDISTRICTING
The next Redistricting Hearing will be held next week on Thursday, November 4 at 6:00 p.m.
There are various tools you can use to create your own map at the link below. Please submit your proposed map by Friday, November 19, 2021.
On the City’s Redistricting website, you will see information on the redistricting process and explanations on how to use the various map tools. You may submit your proposed map and/or comments by email or mail.
To learn more about the redistricting process and propose your map of how City of Fresno districts should look like please visit:
West Fresno Family Resource Center Fresno Covid-19 Equity Project UCSF Fresno
COVID-19 vaccinations are being provided at the Mary Ella Brown Center every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month. Whether it will be your first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, or your single dose of the J&J Janssen vaccine, staff from UCSF and Mary Ella Brown Center are there to answer any questions you may have about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Please keep in mind that the Pfizer vaccine is available for ages 12+ and J&J Janssen for ages 18+.
Address: 1350 E Annandale Ave Fresno Date: every 1st & 3rd Thursday Time: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
African American Coalition Fresno Covid-19 Equity Project (by appointment)
1025 Fulton Street
Call the Vaccine Support Line: (559) 312-8044
1221 Fulton Street
Call: (559) 600-3550
Fresno County Dep. of Public Health
Immunization Program
As a reminder, City of Fresno residents are encouraged to apply for assistance if they are unable to pay the full amount of rent and utilities from April 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. The City, along with 6 Community-Benefit Organizations (CBOs) will process the applications.
Contact one of the partner organizations to apply or apply directly at:https://era.fresno.gov
Reading and Beyond: 559-214-0317 The Fresno Center: 559-898-2565 Centro la Familia: 559-237-2961 Jakara Movement: 559-549-4088 West Fresno Family Resource Center: 559-621-2967 Education and Leadership Foundation: 559-291-5428
ATRASADO CON LA RENTA?
Como recordatorio, los residentes de la Ciudad de Fresno pueden presentar su solicitud si estan atrasados con la renta o con los pagos de servicios publicos desde el 1 de Abril 2020, hasta el 30 de Septiembre de 2021. La Ciudad de Fresno, junto con 6 organizaciones de beneficio comunitario, procesaran las solicitudes.
Comuniquese con una de las organizaciones asociadas para presentar una solicitud o puede aplicar directamente en:https://era.fresno.gov
Reading and Beyond: 559-214-0317 The Fresno Center: 559-898-2565 Centro la Familia: 559-237-2961 Jakara Movement: 559-549-4088 West Fresno Family Resource Center: 559-621-2967 Education and Leadership Foundation: 559-291-5428
We are here for you. Estamos Aquí Para Usted.
Our staff remains readily available through COVID-19.
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