Select Page

News from Representative Costa

Click here to open this e-mail in its own browser window     Click here to open a plain text version of this email

Image Image Image Image Image Image Image

Dear Friend,

This has been a trying time for our nation. We are working through the impacts of this devastating coronavirus, including new legislation – the Paycheck Program Protection Flexibility and TRUTHActs – I voted on last week in Washington, while also facing the stark realities of racism. We need to stand together to get through this time.


Healing Racial Divisions

I am appalled by the death of George Floyd, but sadly this is not the first time we have witnessed such a murder. Our country is in turmoil and it is hurting. During these difficult times, I ask all Americans to look within and reflect on how we come together — in memory of George Floyd, his family and all of our citizens who have felt the injustice of racial prejudice. I’m working on a plan to engage on the topic of systemic racism over the next year. That’s what we must do. We can start making tomorrow better, today.

 

Legislating for COVID-19 relief

Video
Play Button

The Heroes Act, which the House passed on May 15, included a key provision that would provide $1 billion in funding to expand medical education and construct medical schools in under-served areas like the San Joaquin Valley. Similar to the bill I introduced earlier this year: the Expanding Medical Education Act, this legislation would be critical to addressing doctor shortages here in our Valley now and in the future.

The House also passed two bills that provide needed reforms to the popular small business PPP program. These changes make it easier for small business owners to stay afloat and pay their employees while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly


Locally-sourced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Image

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) is putting CARES Act funding to use to help Valley manufactures create personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face shields, mask, gowns, plexiglass dividers and hand sanitizer. Here is a list of local businesses where you can find these products: 

  • Country Plastics – Ear Savers
  • Blue Dolphin – Pi Shop – Face Shields
  • Snowflake Designs – Masks
  • CTEC High School – Face Shields
  • Precision Plastics – Face Shields
  • Dumont Printing – Face Shields
  • First Fold Tie Dye – Cloth Masks
  • Uppitees Fashions and Designs – Cloth Masks
  • KLSD – Cloth Masks
  • Whole Earth Laboratories – Commercial Strength Cleaning Solutions
  • Total Concept Enterprises – Clear Plastic Space Dividers
  • Whole Earth Laboratories – Cloth Masks
  • Monster City Studios – Face Shields
  • Riley’s Brewery – Madera – Hand Sanitizer
  • Corbin Cash Distillery – Atwater – Hand Sanitizer
  • 411 Broadway Ales & Spirits – Hand Sanitizer
  • CA Manufacturing Network (CMTC) – PPE



Lessons Learned from COVID-19

Video
Play Button

On May 27, I participated in a COVID-19 statewide town hall on KSEE 24 and talked about the need to heed the lessons learned from this tragedy. We weren’t prepared for this pandemic, but there are ways we can fight it going forward.


California Responds

Image


Working From Home

Image

Thursday, May 28, was National Work from Home Day!

Like many of you, my staff and I have been following the state and federal guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by working from home. Despite these changes, we’ve stayed productive, handling a 400% increase of constituent casework and getting answers to your important questions. We remain committed to helping you through this crisis. If we can assist, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a terrific staff, who dedicate themselves to helping our constituents and making a difference every day. I am proud of all of them. 


Image

Track recent COVID-19 developments in: 

Resources:

We’ve compiled all the resources you need in one convenient location on our website.  

If you need specific help from our district office, please submit a request and a member of our staff will contact you. Here are some highlights: 



Recursos en Español 

Hemos concentrada toda la información sobre COVID-19 que necesita en un lugar conveniente. Visita mi sitio web.
Image

 RESPOND TO CENSUS 2020

Thank you to those of you that have already responded to the 2020 Census.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, now is the perfect time! Make sure you count and help shape your future!

Respond now!

COURSES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS

Fresno State is hosting free online classes for our essential workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines. 

Find a class for you. 

Image

Image

LOOKING AHEAD TO FIRE SEASON

As wildfire season approaches, make sure PG&E has your updated contact information. PG&E strongly encourages everyone to do so by visiting their website or by calling the PG&E contact center at 1-866-743-6589.

You can also sign up for alerts for your ZIP code.


CAN’T GO TO THE GROCERY STORE?

If someone you know is unable or should not go to the grocery store, TakeCare has set up a grocery relief program, where you can get help and volunteer. 

Image

Image

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOB?

The COVID-19 crisis has left millions of Americans unemployed. OnwardCA, built by Bitwise Industries in Fresno, is a great resource to help you find relief, training and jobs.



BEWARE OF SCAMS

Scammers never rest – even during a crisis. Various federal agencies and utility companies are issuing warnings about the possibility of scams and disinformation. Find out how to protect yourself. You can also track reports of existing scams here.

Image

Video
Play Button

DONATE BLOOD

The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak. I ask you if you’re healthy to join me in giving blood to our local blood banks. It is a national emergency and a way we can all help out. Find out more on how to help


Stay strong and we will get through this crisis. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance.

Sincerely,


 
Jim Costa
Member of Congress

Click here to subscribe to my e-newsletter

Image Image Image   Image  

 | Privacy Policy