Lake County Democratic Party : News

Stop the Special Exemptions Act

Adckinjo — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:03:17 -0400

A bogus initiative with a deceptive name (“Stop Special
Interest Money Now” Act) is designed to tip the balance of political power in
favor of big corporations.

Backers of this initiative say it is comprehensive campaign finance reform, but
don’t be fooled.

It virtually eliminates the use of workers’ contributions while creating a
giant loophole for big corporations.

http://members.csea.com/memberhome/Issues/Election2012/CorporateDeceptionAct/tabid/1340/Default.aspx

Our allies in labor are putting on workshops
around the state to train interested parties from surrounding regions on how to
educate the voters in their local areas on the Stop the Special Exemptions
Act, (previously referred to as the Corporate Power Grab) – a great
training to attend so you are ready to go when the November election cycle
begins!

To ensure that we have sufficient space, please RSVP
at: http://www.cadem.org/page?id=0050
to attend one of the following sessions:

Sacramento – Monday, May 21, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

CUHW Office
              1484 Natomas Park Drive
              Sacramento, CA 95833

  Oakland – Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SEIU 1021
100 Oak Street
Oakland, CA 94607

Los Angeles – Tuesday, May 22, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

United Teaches of Los Angeles

3303 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90010

Fresno – Thursday, May 24, 6:00pm -8:30pm

C.S.E.A.,Fresno Field Office
2501 West Shaw, #107
Fresno, CA 93711

San Diego – Wednesday, July 11, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

San Diego Democratic Party Headquarters

8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #105

San Diego, CA 92111

Don't forget to RSVP at: http://www.cadem.org/page?id=0050

The Lake County Election 2012 Candidates Debates Reviews

Adckinjo — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:56:25 -0400

The Lake County Election 2012 Candidates Debates can be reviewed at the Velocity Video Link: http://www.velocityvideoonline.com/category/election-2012/

Lake County Democrats Booths - Voter Registration and Information

Adckinjo — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:18:51 -0400

Lake County Democrats Booths - Voter Registration and Information will be available at these locations

Lower Lake Memorial Day BBQ Upper Lake Wild West Days
Sunday May 27 from 11-4 Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 10-4
Russell Rustici Park, 16375 Second Street Main Street in Upper Lake

If you want to volunteer to help at either of these booths - contact us democratsoflakecounty@gmail.com

Congressman John Garamendi

Adckinjo — Mon, 07 May 2012 09:00:37 -0400

Hello
Congressman John Garamendi, who is running for the newly drawn 3rd Congressional District, representing the eastern part of Lake County needs help from Lake County Democrats.

Use this interactive map to find out which congressional district in Lake County is yours:
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/29/3804492/see-your-senate-assembly-or-congress.html

However, whether you live in the new Congressional District, or not, Congressman Garamendi's election is vital to all of us.
We need two strong Democratic Congressman in Washington to support Lake County.

We can volunteer to do remote phone banking from our homes by signing up at Congressman Garamendi's campaign website
http://www.garamendi.org/crmapi/volunteer
Check 'remote phone banking' and the campaign will send you everything you need via emaili

Please consider giving a few hours of your time between now and election day, June 5 to get out the vote.

Thanks again for everything you do

CA State Senator Noreen Evans Report to the Lake County Democratic Central Committee May 3rd, 2012 By Sunol M Westergren

Adckinjo — Sat, 05 May 2012 12:41:11 -0400

Evans Launches Regional Task Force on Autism

Appoints Local Advocate Chair

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

SACRAMENTO– Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) today announced the formation of the North Coast Area Regional Task Force (NCART) for the Senate Select Committee on Autism and Related Disorders. Senator Evans is a member of the fifteen-member Select Committee and recently co-authored legislation resulting from the group's efforts to provide insurance coverage to children with autism.

NCART will provide a public policy and legislative forum for research, analysis, deliberations, and outreach on the most pressing issues and concerns facing families who are living with autism spectrum disorders. They will focus mainly on addressing four factors related to the disorder:

To see that children are evaluated, identified and treated at the earliest possible age;

To assure private health plans do their fair share to provide medically necessary services;

Work to provide access to adequate employment opportunities; and,

Develop and expand appropriate and affordable housing.

NCART is currently accepting applications on an ongoing basis from a diverse cross-section of the public to serve on the Task Force. Members of the public who live in or near Senate District 2 and possess the passion, expertise and commitment to serve on this voluntary Task Force are asked to contact Andrew Bailey for more information at 707.527.7032 or abailey@anovaeducation.org.

Senate Creates New Local, Sustainable Food Select Committee

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Support for Local Foods Concept Grows inCalifornia

SACRAMENTO– Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) today announced the creation of the Senate Select Committee on California Food: Local, Organic and Sustainable Systems. Evans will serve as chair with Senators DeSaulnier (D-Concord), Hancock (D-Berkeley), Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and Wolk (D-Davis) as members. The committee has two vacancies.

The committee will study sustainable food production inCaliforniaincluding the cottage food industry, artisan/heirloom foods, small and local producers, organic and sustainable practice producers.

“Californiais one of the top food producers in the world and leads the nation in organic food production,” said Evans. “But people today want to know where their food is coming from, how it’s being grown and how it supports their local community. This committee will shed some light on the challenges local, organic and sustainable food systems face daily to provide communities access to healthy foods from farms that are environmentally conscientious.”

Senator Noreen Evans has long been one of theNorthCoast’s leading advocates for Slow Food – the concept that we should be more conscious of what we eat and that our food should be environmentally sustainable and produced close to home. In 2008, she was the first elected official ever to serve as a delegate to Terra Madre, the world’s most important food conference. She has also been a vocal advocate for natural resource protection and the preservation of our agricultural heritage. In 2012, she established the Senate Select Committee on California Food to bring focus on all these ideas and to do the necessary research to determine how to moveCaliforniacloser to the Slow Food ideal while maintainingCaliforniaagriculture’s important place in our economy.

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Budget Cuts Reveal Diminished Access to Justice in California

Monday, April 16, 2012

Budget Cuts Reveal Diminished Access to Justice inCalifornia

Fundamental Liberties and Democracy at Risk

SACRAMENTO--Advocates of justice from across the nation today gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to decry the impending crisis inCalifornia’s judicial branch spurned by years of budget cuts. The group came together to identify the impacts budget cuts have had on the public’s access to justice prior to a joint informational hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety and the Judiciary.

“The civil justice system is the bedrock and foundation of our democratic freedoms,” said Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It serves as a beacon for disadvantaged communities, a pillar for businesses, a shield for domestic violence survivors, and a safety net for children, veterans and seniors.”

Through Senator Evans’ web site, the public are invited to share their stories on how access to justice has been impacted by these budget cuts. The link to submit stories, live feed of the hearing, background papers and a chart on superior court service reductions to date by county are available here.

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Speaker John A. Pérez , Senator Noreen Evans, and Academy Award-Winning Actor Geena Davis Announce Funding for theCaliforniaCommission on the Status of Women

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

SACRAMENTO– Academy Award-Winning Actor and Chair of California’s Commission on the Status of Women Geena Davis joined Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and commissioners Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal (D-LongBeach) and Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) announcing plans to re-establish funding and modernize the California Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW). More than a dozen members of the legislative women’s caucus, along with CCSW commissioners joined the group in support of the announcement.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of a game-changing announcement that will re-establish funding for the Commission,” said CCSW Chair Geena Davis. “There is still much to be done to sustain a public dialogue and create real change for women and for our society as a whole, and the Commission will get back to work, doing just that.”

“We’ve all rallied around the Commission, because we know how important it is as a voice for women of all ages and from all backgrounds,” said Senator Evans. “Today’s announcement gives us a chance to continue working on vital issues impacting all of us.”

Senator Evans’ SB 1345 which would create statutory protection for the Commission on the Status of Women regardless of budget action also passed the Senate Government Organization Committee today with a 9-4 vote. The bill next goes to Senate Appropriations.

Evans’ Bills to Reopen, Strengthen State Parks Clear Senate Resources Committee

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Evans’ Bills to Reopen, Strengthen State Parks Clear Senate Resources Committee

Panel Also Approves Oiled Wildlife, Invasive Species Bills

SACRAMENTO – Two bills authored by Senator Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa) intended to bolster the California State Park system in the wake of pending park closures and budget cuts, were approved today by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. The bills, SB 974 and SB 1078 address the 70 California State Parks slated for closure July 1, 2012—20 of those parks are in her Second Senatorial District along the North Coast of California.

“State Parks are an integral part ofCalifornia’s environmental and historic legacy,” said Senator Evans. “These bills provide assurance that despite todays’ budget cuts, our parks will be made whole and economically sustainable.”

SB 974 (State Parks Closures) would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to annually and formally review state park closures and revise the closure list if closures are unwarranted, unnecessary or counter to deed restrictions. Economic impacts on local communities would have to be considered and there would be opportunity for public input. Importantly, the bill requires DPR to develop a plan to reopen each park closed that takes into account the involvement of the local community and the potential for the reduction of environmental and economic costs. The bill passed with a 7-2 vote and will next be heard in Senate Appropriations.

SB 1078 (Parks Revenue Generation) would sharpen the DPRs’ focus on expanding revenue opportunities. The bill establishes within DPR a system-wide Innovation Team charged with evaluating and implementing new revenue generation programs for parks. The team will examine many proposals including new marketing programs for park passes, which could include selling passes at retail outlets and cooperative agreements with FasTrak. SB 1078 also localizes revenue generation with the creation of local Innovation Working Groups who, working with community advisory boards, would develop five-year business plans for individual parks or park districts. The bill passed with a unanimous vote (8-0) and will next be heard in Senate Appropriations.

The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee also approved two other Evans’ bills intended to improve the state’s response to oil spills and invasive species.

SB 1192 (Oiled Wildlife Care Network ) would give the state’s renowned volunteer-driven Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) more flexible funding by allowing the state’s existing Oil Spill and Administration Fund to cover volunteer training and preparedness. This bill will help ensure that the OWCN would continue to be ready to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an oil spill. The bill passed with a 6-2 vote and will next be heard in Senate Appropriations.

SB 1251 (Invasive Species) would convene a statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Task Working Group of Stakeholders to develop recommendations to the legislature and the Department of Fish and Game to set invasive species control priorities, develop a reliable revenue stream, and improve coordination among agencies, The invasion of quagga mussels, the ludwigia plant and many other exotic organisms clog the state’s drinking water delivery pipelines and threaten Lake Tahoe, Clear Lake, the Russian River and other natural waterways. The bill passed with a 7-2 vote and will next be heard in Senate Appropriations.

“Our natural resources inCaliforniaare of critical importance to protect,” continued Evans. “Without plans in place that address our vulnerabilities,Californiacould endure disasters in our ecosystems that would take many lifetimes to remedy.”

Statement of California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton on Mitt Romney's Refusal to Release Tax Return Statements

Adckinjo — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:42:14 -0400

Taking a page from failed 2010 Gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman's playbook, Mitt Romney has only released his 2010 tax returns to the American public, while instead providing an estimate for 2011.

We would expect nothing less from Romney, who has displayed time and again he believes there's one set of rules for the 1% and a different set of rules for the rest of America.

President Obama released eight years of his own tax returns when he ran in 2008 and Romney himself privately released twenty-three years of his tax returns to John McCain's campaign when he was then being considered as a Vice Presidential choice.

Most Americans don't benefit from the same tax loopholes that allow Romney, whose net worth is estimated to reach well north of $200 million, to pay a lower tax rate than most middle class families.

We understand keeping track of all the offshore accounts that Romney possesses makes for difficult accounting work, but he owes it to the American public to come clean and let us know if he's been taking unusual steps to avoid paying his fair share of taxes.

CONGRESSMAN MIKE THOMPSON MARCH LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Adckinjo — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:21:15 -0400

REP. MIKE THOMPSON CO-SPONSORS BI-PARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE JOBS BILL
Urges House Majority to Vote On and Pass Bill

On March 21^st, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) co-sponsored H.R. 14, an infrastructure jobs bill identical to the infrastructure legislation passed last week by the Senate by a bipartisan vote 74-22. The bill would fund transportation and infrastructure projects for two years, and is estimated by the U.S. Department of Transportation to create 177,500 jobs in California alone. The House Majority has twice refused to pass long-term transportation legislation, instead passing short-term extensions. The long-term authorization proposed by the House Majority in February contained many politically-driven and unrelated policy riders that prevented the bill from being passed. For example, the bill halted funding for high-speed passenger rail projects; opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska for oil drilling; ended competitive grant funding for road improvements, port upgrades, bridge maintenance and light rail; defunded bike and pedestrian projects; and ended funding that is used to build safer routes to schools. REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES YOUNTVILLE VETERANS HOME POST OFFICE WILL REMAIN OPEN

On March 23^rd, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced that the Yountville Veterans Home Post Office will remain open despite having been considered last year for closure by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Last July, the post office was included on a list of approximately 3,700 others being considered for closure by the USPS. Thompson, who represents the Yountville veterans home, led the effort against its closure.
REP. MIKE THOMPSON INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE RENEWABLE ENERGY STORAGE

On March 1^st, Congressmen Mike Thompson (CA-01) and Chris Gibson (NY-20) announced that they have joined together to introduce H.R. 4096, The Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy 2012 Act (STORAGE) in the United States House of Representatives. The STORAGE Act would provide a tax credit to individuals and businesses when they invest in energy storage systems. Energy storage systems allow businesses and consumers to keep excess energy generated when energy is in low demand and then use it during periods of peak demand, reducing consumers’ electricity bills, greatly enhancing the reliability of alternative energy sources, and making our electric grid more efficient and secure. REP. MIKE THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON BUDGET INTRODUCED BY HOUSE MAJORITY

On March 20^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1), a senior member on the House Ways and Means Committee, made the following statement on the House Republican’s budget proposal that was released:
“The budget released today by the House Majority falls short of making sure hard working families get the fair shake they deserve. It provides tax breaks to those who need them the least at the expense of our seniors and those who need them the most, and it turns the guarantee of Medicare and retirement security into a voucher that will shift higher and higher costs to seniors over time. I support simplifying the tax code but it needs to be done responsibly. A plan like we saw today that balances tax breaks on the backs of our seniors and pays for tax breaks by undermining the very things we need to grow our economy and create jobs – things like education, innovation, and new sources of energy – is not responsible. We need to invest in rebuilding our infrastructure so we can put people back to work fixing our roads, schools and bridges. We need to invest in new economic engines like renewable energy that will create jobs. And we need to invest in education so that our nation continues to have the world’s best entrepreneurs and innovators to compete in the global economy. If we make these smart investments, if we make a commitment to shared responsibility, and if we ask everyone to pay their fair share, then we can pass a budget that creates jobs, protects our seniors and supplies a long-term solution to our national debt.” REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES 2012 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

On March 6^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced the beginning of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition, and urged high school students in California’s 1st Congressional District to enter their artwork. The annual competition showcases the artistic talents and abilities of students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. The 2012 competition is open to all high school students in California’s 1st District. REP. MIKE THOMPSON SECURES $36,000 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT FOR CITY OF WEST SACRAMENTO

On March 6^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced a $36,213 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the City of West Sacramento. The grant was awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant will be used to secure a mobile “vent over fire prop.” The prop is a large trailer with a special roof that can be cut, allowing firefighters the opportunity for hands on, ventilation training while working at structure fires. The trailer also has applications that will allow training in confined space entry as well as several locked doors which will enhance forcible entry training. REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $960,000 INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FOR PORT OF WEST SACRAMENTO
Funding for Rail Loop Track Will Increase Freight Capacity

On March 6^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced that The Port of West Sacramento has been awarded a grant of more than $960,000 from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for construction of a rail loop track that will increase freight capacity and handling efficiency. REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $396,815 GRANT FOR OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS’ HIV SERVICES
Funding will go to primary care medical and dental services for patients living with HIV

On March 26^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced that Open Door Community Health Centers has been awarded $396,815 through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for treatment of patients living with HIV. REP. MIKE THOMPSON SECURES MORE THAN $739,000 GRANT FOR EUREKA FIRE DEPARTMENT
Funding will help buy replacement for EFD’s aging ladder truck

On March 29^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced $739,800 in federal grants for the Eureka Fire Department. The grants were awarded through The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Eureka Fire Department (EFD) will use the grant to purchase a new ladder truck. REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $108,000 TO PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING AND SUPPORT TO NORTH COAST VETERANS

On March 30^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-01) announced a $108,210 federal grant that will help provide permanent housing and support to veterans on the North Coast. The grant, provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be awarded to the Ukiah VA Outpatient Clinic. The funds will be used as vouchers to provide rental assistance for homeless and disabled veterans. REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $445,000 TO PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING AND SUPPORT TO SONOMA COUNTY VETERANS

On March 30^th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-01) announced a $445,331 federal grant that will help provide permanent housing and support to veterans in Sonoma County. The grant, provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be awarded to the Santa Rosa VA Outpatient Clinic. The funds will be used as vouchers to provide rental assistance for homeless and disabled veterans.

Lake County's Congressional Districts

lakedems — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 20:55:42 -0500

Lake County will be represented by two Congressional Districts, (CD 3 & CD 5)
following the results of the 2010 census, with the boundaries decided by the California Redistricting Commission's work in 2011.

Democratic Congressman John Garamendi (currently representing CD 10) is running for election to the 3rd Congressional District.
Congressman Mike Thompson, who currently represents all of Lake County (CD 1) is running for election to the 5th Congressional District.

Using the link below you can search your address by Congressional District to find out which Democrat will represent you in Washington DC.

CD 3
http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/districts/CD03/

CD 5
http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/districts/CD05/

Congressman Thompson's February Legislative Report

lakedems — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 19:35:08 -0500

REPRESENTATIVES MIKE THOMPSON AND CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO IMPROVE RURAL HEALTH CARE
On February 1, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Rural Health Coalition, introduced H.R. 3859, the Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (R-HOPE) Act of 2012. This bipartisan bill would help rural communities meet the challenge of providing access to high-quality, affordable health care.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON LEADS CALL TO PROTECT LOCAL CLEAN ENERGY ROYALTIES

On February 2nd, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) led a bipartisan group of Representatives in calling on President Obama to protect local clean energy royalties from harmful budget cuts. The letter urges the President to not repeal the sharing of geothermal royalty payments with counties. Because of the high burdens that geothermal production places on the counties where it is developed, counties currently share in the revenue of the federal receipts. Revenue sharing has been a target of cuts in the past. Revenue sharing was first started through the bipartisan Energy Policy Act of 2005. Geothermal revenue sharing accounts for less than one half of one percent of the total federal deficit. Ending this sharing would negatively impact counties. Currently, counties use geothermal revenues to pay for governmental services, such as road maintenance, public safety and law enforcement, and conservation easements. Many of the counties receiving revenue from geothermal receipts are small, rural counties facing uncertain budget situations. The loss of such revenue for these counties could result in the elimination or reduction of essential services. Last year, Lake County received $800,000 a year in geothermal royalties. Last year, Sonoma County received $1.1 million in geothermal royalties.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON RELEASES STATEMENT ON PROPOSITION 8 RULING

On February 7th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) released the following statement after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ 2-1 ruling that Proposition 8 violated the U.S. Constitution:
“Today’s ruling on Proposition 8 is a win for California and a win for equality. Laws that deny equality are not only immoral and unjust, but unconstitutional and against our most basic principles. Should they hear this case, I hope the United States Supreme Court follows the 9th Circuit’s example and comes down on the side of marriage equality. I thank all those who fought so hard to make today’s ruling possible, and as we move forward I will continue to do everything I can to fight discrimination and send Prop 8 to the history books once and for all.”

REP. MIKE THOMPSON CO-AUTHORS LEGISLATION FOR YOUNTVILLE RECYCLED WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION
Legislation will create jobs, reduce demand on water resources

On February 10th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) co-authored legislation that would authorize $1.1 million in federal funds for the Town of Yountville to expand the water recycling facility. The legislation, HR 3910, would expand the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Coalition (BARWC), allowing local water agencies to partner with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to build water recycling facility pipelines and associated infrastructure. The Yountville water recycling system is part of the BARWC.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $450,000 OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR HUMBOLDT HARBOR AND BAY DREDGING

On February 10th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced that Humboldt Harbor and Bay would receive an additional $450,000 for dredging. The funds come from the Army Corps of Engineers’ discretionary account, and were awarded in order to address the operation and maintenance needs of Humboldt Bay.

REPS. MIKE THOMPSON, CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS CALL ON PAYROLL TAX CONFEREES TO EXTEND HEALTH BENEFITS TO RURAL COMMUNITIES

On February 13th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5) lead a bi-partisan group of Representatives in sending a letter to the House and Senate group negotiating an extension of the payroll tax credit, calling on them to extend Medicare provisions that benefit rural communities. The provisions help ensure quality health care in rural communities and support local jobs.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION GRANT TO WATER DISTRICT FOR SAMOA PIPELINE REPLACEMENT

On February 15th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced $2 million in federal funding for the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD). The Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will go toward replacement of a failing pipeline on the Samoa Peninsula outside Eureka.

REPS. MIKE THOMPSON, LYNN WOOLSEY INTRODUCE AMENDMENT BANNING DRILLING OFF CALIFORNIA’S NORTH COAST

On February 16th, Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-1) and Lynn Woolsey (CA-6) introduced an amendment to ban drilling on of California’s North Coast. H.R. 3408, the Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy, and Resource Security Act would automatically open the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Alaska’s Bristol Bay, Southern California, and the Virginia coast for oil and gas leasing. The bill could also potentially open up California’s North Coast to drilling – even if the state objects to offshore drilling in the region.

CALIFORNIA REPS: WATER BILL KILLS LOCAL JOBS, NEGLECTS 50 YEARS OF ESTABLISHED SCIENCE
Bay-Delta Representatives Lead Call Against So-Called San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act

On February 16th, Ten Northern California representatives are called on the House Committee on Natural Resources to oppose H.R. 1837, the so-called San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. As written, the legislation would divert additional water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta to South-of-Delta water users, running counter to established economic and environmental policies. In a letter to the Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-1), George Miller (CA-7), Doris Matsui (CA-5), Jerry McNerney (CA-11), John Garamendi (CA-10), Jackie Speier (CA-12), Mike Honda (CA-15), Lynn Woolsey (CA-6), Zoe Lofgren (CA-16) and Anna Eshoo (CA-14) wrote that the bill grossly dismisses the best available science, would cause job losses, repeals environmental protections, damages local tourism, hurts fishers and farmers, and should be rejected.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON LEADS CALL TO PROTECT AGRICULTURE WORKFORCE
Representatives Reject “Enforcement Only” Approach to Agriculture Immigration Reform

On February 17th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) led a group of Representatives in calling on President Obama to protect the U.S. agricultural workforce from a harmful “enforcement-only” approach to immigration reform. In a letter to the President, Thompson and his colleagues in the House wrote that if only mandatory worker verification methods like E-Verify were implemented without regard to workers and employers, it would risk the economic vitality of the entire American agricultural industry.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON SECURES MORE THAN $604,000 FOR ARCATA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

On February 17th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced $604, 578 in federal grants for the Arcata Fire Protection District. The grant was awarded through The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant will be used to update the entire Humboldt County Fire Radio Network. This includes the Mountain Top Radio Repeaters, the dispatch console in the command center, and the infrastructure that supports it.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES FINAL APPROVAL FOR WILLITS BYPASS

On February 17th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced that final approval has been given to build the Willits Bypass. The approval permits were necessary for Caltrans to proceed with its plans to reroute a segment of U.S. Highway 101 around the city of Willits in Mendocino County.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON DEMANDS SERVICE MEMBERS SUBJECTED TO DOD’S CHEMICAL TESTING RECEIVE HEALTH BENEFITS
Submits Testimony to Committee Investigating Health Impacts of Project 112/

On February 23rd, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) demanded that service members who were subjected to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) chemical weapon testing be able to receive full medical care and disability compensation for their service-connected medical conditions. In late 2002, the DOD revealed for the first time that between 1962 and 1974 it had tested harmful chemical and biological agents by spraying them on ships and sailors. These tests – known as Project 112, which included Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD), exposed at least 6,000 service members without their knowledge to harmful chemical and biological weapons and included some of the most deadly chemicals on Earth: Vx Nerve Gas, Sarin Nerve Gas and E. coli. Many veterans who were subjected to chemical tests as part of Project 112/SHAD have developed serious medical issues but do not currently receive priority care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or disability benefits because the VA does not officially recognize any long-term health consequences from exposure to the chemical agents from these specific tests. In 2010, Congress passed a law requiring the VA to contract with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to consider the health impact on veterans that were part of Project 112/SHAD. The IOM Study committee charged with investigating these potential health impacts held a field hearing in Sacramento. If the scientific study by the IOM finds a connection between the chemical testing and long-term health consequences, the VA will likely be compelled to provide all service members exposed to this testing priority medical care and full disability compensation. Thompson submitted testimony to the committee.

REP. MIKE THOMPSON SECURES MORE THAN $256,000 FOR AMERICAN CANYON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

On Feburary 24th, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-1) announced $256,145 in federal grants for the American Canyon Fire Protection District. The grant was awarded through The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant will be used for a 2,000 gallon water tender. The replacement of the American Canyon Fire Protection District’s old water tender will improve personnel safety and fire suppression capability when the District is requested to provide aid for fires in areas not covered with a hydrant system. The new water tender will be designed and built to assure operator safety. It will have the ability to deliver large amounts of water to support engine companies in non-hydrant areas.

Thompson, Miller step up fight for homeowners, pressure federal regulator to stop blocking principal writedowns
Congressmen call for an end to policy blocking modifications at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that could save taxpayers billions

On February 27th, amid the continuing national foreclosure crisis that has impacted millions of Americans, a unilateral decision by Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to block all forms of principal write-down for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has prevented the housing market from recovering more quickly, said U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-Martinez) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), who ramped up pressure on the FHFA to reverse the decision that has stymied a more buoyant housing recovery. Miller and Thompson joined Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Place) and over 110 Democratic Members of Congress in writing to FHFA Acting Director Ed DeMarco urging him to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to engage in principal forgiveness in cases where it benefits both homeowners and taxpayers. DeMarco has categorically prevented principal reduction on Fannie- and Freddie-backed loans despite the fact that his own analysis shows that a properly structured principal reduction program could save billions of taxpayer dollars compared to sending underwater homeowners into foreclosure.