The weekly newsletter is a great way to stay up-to-date on the work I’m doing on behalf of our Valley. I use this as a venue to tell the story of how the work I’m doing in Washington and in the district impacts you. Each week I will highlight important pieces of legislation I’m working on, show you how I’m engaging with constituents on the issues, and tell you about upcoming events in the district. We’re back in Washington this week before next week’s district work period. Here are some highlights:
Protecting Valley agriculture
At every turn, the American people have picked up the tab for the President’s trade war, which has strained hardworking American families and farmers. I am happy to see some progress after the President signed the first phase of a trade deal with China, but I will closely review this agreement to determine the impact on agriculture and working people in my district and nationwide. It’s not immediately clear that these new purchases will make up for what we’ve lost along the way. It’s my hope that President Trump’s and Ambassador Lighthizer’s efforts will result in increased agricultural trade for the future.
Combating human trafficking
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As co-chair and founder of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, I’ve worked hard to combat this atrocity in my district and around the world. I helped secure $2 billion to support investigations and operations to prevent human trafficking and another $2.6 billion to improve services for victims in the spending bill that passed at the end of 2019. I also introduced a resolution calling for federal agencies to improve coordination with local prevention efforts and cosponsored a bill to provide tax relief for human trafficking survivors. I can promise you that I will continue to lead the fight to end human trafficking in all its forms.
Honoring our veterans
It was an honor to present veteran Jane Boote with long overdue medals for her brave service as an Army nurse during World War II with retired Marine Corps Steffon Hicklin. I worked hard with the Fresno Veterans Home to ensure she received the recognition she earned and undoubtedly deserves. What a nice surprise for her 100th birthday with family and fellow veterans present to join in this celebration!
Giving back to the community
On January 20th, we observe the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther King (MLK) Day as “A Day On, Not a Day Off.” As a public servant for the past 40 years, I firmly believe in every individual’s ability to make change. I invite all of you to to find a way to help others in our Valley on MLK Day. You can find ideas here.
Other work I’m doing on behalf of the Valley:
Signed a letter urging United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to avoid targeting wine in potential retaliatory tariffs from the European Union.
Cosponsored a bill to waive permit application fees for commemorative veterans events at national war memorials.
Voted in favor of a bill to level the playing field for older workers and help them fight back against age discrimination.
Voted to advance a bill out of the Natural Resources Committee to strengthen protections for migratory birds.
Meeting of the Week
As co-chair and founder of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, I’ve helped lead the charge in Congress to fight human trafficking. I met with the State Department’s Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Human Trafficking, John Cotton Richmond, to discuss how we can work together to fight this injustice.
Upcoming Events Across the District:
MLK Community Breakfast
Annual community breakfast honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast at the Regency Event Center. See more information here
When: January 18, 2019: 9-10:30 am
Where: Regency Event Center: 1600 Willow Ave. Clovis, CA
Fresno Fairgrounds Jurassic Tour
This event simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods first hand. It features realistic scenes, enormous dinosaurs, cute baby dinosaurs, a dinosaur band, and fun activities for children of all ages. See more information here.
Where: Fresno Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, January 18, 2020 -10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day March
Join the Fresno Community in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day. Find more information here.
Where: St. John Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa St, Fresno, CA 93721
When: Monday, January 20, 2020 9:15 AM
Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration
The 22nd annual MLK celebration will begin on 8th St. and MLK Way. This a free and public event. Seniors are welcome to ride. A van will be provided by the MLK committee. Lunch is free for all youth, Veterans and seniors.
Where: 301 W Main Street, Merced California
When: January 15th, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Merced’s ‘State of the City’ Address
Strong discussion about Merced’s economic development, homelessness, public safety, infrastructure and many other topics, giving the people of Merced the opportunity to learn best how to capitalize on the opportunities of their city.
The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the 2020 Valley Business Awards to recognize the achievements of entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the Valley. See more information here.
Where: Fresno Convention Center, 848 M Street, Fresno, CA, 93721
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