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June 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $50,000 has been awarded to the City of Parlier to provide technical assistance for a vocational training program which will expand and train the workforce for small businesses located in Parlier, California. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture under the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.

"I am very happy to hear that Parlier is receiving federal funds to jumpstart their small businesses," said Costa.

June 30, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $224,985 has been awarded to California State University, Bakersfield to prepare low-income, first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education, for doctoral study. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Education under the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. It is anticipated that the grant will be for a total of four years.

"This is great news for Cal State Bakersfield," said Costa.

June 12, 2008

Legislation Includes Funding for High-Speed Rail Development In America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, legislation to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for fiscal years 2009 to 2013. The bill also authorizes $1.75 billion in grants over the next five years to states and/or Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for high-speed rail.

June 10, 2008

Legislation Names Wilderness Area After Former Congressman John Krebs

May 19, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) called on all residents of the San Joaquin Valley to join in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, which begins today. Costa released the following statement to celebrate and honor Jewish culture in America.

"When the first Jewish settlers came to this land over 350 years ago, they sought a new world to practice their faith freely and without persecution. Since then, Jews have made numerous contributions in technology, literature, entertainment, politics and medicine which add to the fabric of American life.

May 19, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP) opened today. These grants will provide approximately $27.2 million to address homeland security training needs to prevent, protect and respond to acts of terrorism and catastrophic events.

"Grants like this are vital to localities to train for potential attacks or tragic events," said Costa.

May 14, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) applauded the decision of the University of California's Board of Regents to authorize UC Merced, the newest UC campus, to continue planning for a medical school. The next phase of planning will allow UC Merced to create a medical school planning office, develop curriculum, and prepare a full proposal and business plan.

"Today's decision by the UC Board of Regents is going to set our Valley on the right path to curb the physician shortage we are experiencing.

May 8, 2008
Washington, D.C. - Today, members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition honored California Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) for his leadership in restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government. As a leading member of the Blue Dogs and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, Representative Costa has made significant strides in restoring the fiscal stability and economic security of the United States by implementing common-sense policies such as pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budgeting.

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May 8, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) sent a letter to Ambassador Marie L. Yovanovich, the new nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia. Costa asked Ambassador Yovanovich to answer questions about her feelings on the events that happened in Turkey between 1915 and 1923.

"It is important that the United States fill this empty diplomatic position in Yerevan, Armenia," said Costa.

May 7, 2008
FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that Johnny Reyes of Hanford, CA is the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition. Reyes' sketch, titled "Thinking of You", was inspired by a letter his grandfather sent while serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II. His artwork, along with winning artwork from around the nation, will be on display in the Cannon tunnel for one year. Reyes' grandfather will accompany Reyes and his mother to Washington, D.C. to attend an official ribbon cutting ceremony which will display Reyes' drawing.