Weekly Newsletter 8.31.2020
Dear Friend,
We're in the district working to protect workers from the harsh conditions created by wildfires and ensure timely delivery of the mail. Here are some highlights:
Securing resources to combat wildfire
- Wildfire Safety Tips
- American Lung Association Recommendations
- Find a Red Cross Shelter
- Red Cross Safe and Well
- Make sure PG&E has your updated contact information. Visit their website or call 1-866-743-6589.
- Sign up for alerts for your ZIP code.
- Check CAL Fire's recommendations for protecting your home and loved ones from wildfires.
Ensuring our farmworkers safety
- Direct financial assistance to agricultural employers for the purpose of providing personal protective equipment, sick leave, family leave, and premium pay in line with support for other frontline workers included in our nation's critical infrastructure, including $13 in premium pay above regular wages.
- $25 million for CDC and OSHA worker safety guidance on farms and in food processing facilities.
- $9 billion to support health care in underserved and rural areas so workers and farmers have access to proper health care and testing resources.
Protecting the Postal Service
For over a hundred million Americans, the United States Postal Service is a critical lifeline that delivers vital prescription drugs, Social Security benefits, paychecks, tax returns, and absentee ballots. I held a press conference speaking out against the President's attempt to disrupt our mail service in the middle of a pandemic. This is about more than just voting; it's about protecting the vital institutions enshrined in our constitution, which the President has repeatedly worked to sabotage. That's why I cosponsored and voted to support the Delivering for America Act, which the House passed on August 22nd. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect the Postal Service and our democracy.
Hometown Hero |
Shout out to hardworking students at the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State for stepping up to produce hand sanitizer. As we continue to battle COVID-19, we continue to experience increased demand for goods like hand sanitizer. This is the kind of hard work and ingenuity that will help ensure our communities are protected during these difficult times. The University is also partnering with the Fresno County Public Health Department to train lab technicians and help conduct and process COVID-19 tests in their Jordan Agricultural Research Center facilities. Lyles College of Engineering students have also produced over 1,000 plastic face shields for distribution to hospitals in the Valley. As a proud alumnus of Fresno State, we always appreciate the important contributions the University makes to our Valley. Go Bulldogs! |
Celebrating women's equality
August 26th marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. We honor the women, like Mary Butin from Madera, who came before us and fought so hard to secure women a seat at the table. As we commemorate this historic milestone, we are also reminded that our work is far from over. I will continue to fight for fair access at the ballot box so everyone's voice can be heard.
Vote by Mail
Americans can take additional steps to make sure their vote will count:
Information for your County: MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT! |
Bringing home federal dollars
One of my top priorities is ensuring your tax dollars come back to the district. I'm pleased to report that the Central Valley Opportunity Center received $2.2 million in grant funding for the National Farmworker Jobs Program from the Department of Labor. This grant will help farmers develop the skills they need to secure better wages and stable employment.
I'm also pleased to report that Golden Valley Health Centers received $149,999 in grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services for HIV capacity development and planning. In addition, UC Merced received $178,505 from the National Science Foundation to fund project research on the physics of atomic Boson-Fermion mixtures.
Local COVID-19 Cases
- State of California
- Roadmap for Individual CA Counties
- Fresno City
- Fresno County
- Madera County
- Merced County
Find a testing center near you:
- Fresno County Locations
- Madera County Locations
- Merced County Online Registration or Call 1 (888) 634-1123
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.
- COVID Resources Toolkit for Families (ENGLISH)
- Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act Summary
- Resources for Veterans
- Navigating Small Business Administration programs
- Food Assistance
- Ways to help your community
Recursos en Español
- COVID-19: Manual Digital de Recursos Para Constituyentes
- Informacion sobre el Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONSOrganic producers and handlers can apply for federal funding to assist with keeping and receiving organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), a farm bill program I advocated for. |
RESPOND TO CENSUS 2020Thank 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 our future! IT'S VERY IMPORTANT! DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 30, 2020. |
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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