Dear Friend, I'm in the district this week listening to constituents and community leaders' concerns and informing them about the work I'm doing to represent them in Washington as this crisis continues. Here are some highlights:
Our goal to reopen the economy: moving to stage 2.5After over two months of Sheltering-in-Place, Americans want to get back to work. However, we need to do it safely and sensibly to minimize the likelihood of a resurgence.
We must follow the criteria state and local health experts have laid out. The good news is the state of California has approved Fresno, Madera and Merced counties to move further into the reopening process, to stage 2.5. This will allow for modified dine-in at restaurants and more retail to open.Clearly, we need to make more progress.
Track recent COVID-19 developments in:
Honoring our fallen service membersOn Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. These fallen heroes are the reason we enjoy the freedoms of being Americans.
Hometown Hero | It's National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week and I want to give a shout out to Lonnie Taylor, a Paramedic Field Supervisor for American Ambulance in Fresno, California. Lonnie is a Fresno County native who' has spent the past 7 years serving his community. According to Lonnie, "For me, this is not just a job, it's a passion. I am blessed to have the opportunity to care for people and to pass on my knowledge to others who are just entering the profession." Thank you Lonnie for your dedication and bravery!
Local heroes like Lonnie work every day to protect us. Join me in thanking them for their unrelenting courage when our nation needs it most. Know someone else who is making a difference in the community? Recommend them for a future shoutout! |
For Our Valley GraduatesI want to take a moment to congratulate our Valley graduates. Despite the challenges our country is facing, I'm confident in your ability to go out into the world and make a difference. This country needs you to succeed now more than ever.
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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.
COURSES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERSFresno State is hosting free online classes for our essential workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines. Find a class for you. |  |
 | LOOKING AHEAD TO FIRE SEASONAs 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. |  |
| 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 SCAMSScammers 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. |  |
| DONATE BLOODThe 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
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