Celebrating Community Project Funding for the North Coast: An Update from Rep. Jared Huffman
Hello,
Last week, I traveled throughout the North Coast and shared the news about some of the fantastic community projects for which I helped secure funding. Below are some highlights from another great week in our district and some very productive work in Washington.
Petaluma Health Center
I kicked off the week with a visit at the Petaluma Health Center, which was awarded $1.6 million to build a solar panel installation. This will significantly cut costs for the facility and ensure they can keep running even during natural disasters. It was great to visit with the staff and thank them in person for all their invaluable work throughout the pandemic.
Huffman tours the Center.
Marine Mammal Protection & Kelp Forest Restoration Programs
Two of our Community Projects go hand-in-hand: the Marine Mammal Center and the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Kelp Restoration Project. Their work is essential for thriving coastal ecosystems, and the funding will go a long way in promoting marine biodiversity, protecting marine mammals, and restoring our diminishing kelp forests. It was a pleasure to join them for a joint press conference to share the news of this funding which is such a big win for California’s marine habitat and unique wildlife.
Rep. Huffman speaks at press conference at the Marine Mammal Center on March 22, 2022.
Burre Dental Center
While up in Humboldt Country, I stopped by the Burre Dental Center in Eureka. The Center will receive a $1 million federal grant— a huge win for the community. This will help the Center hire additional staff, grow the facilities, and expand dental care to many more people. This will vastly improve access to dental care in Humboldt and make a significant impact in the community.
Rep. Huffman visits the facilities of the Burre Dental Center
Meeting with Students
I also visited to Casa Grande High School and Eureka High School’s AP government class last week. I had many engaging and thoughtful conversations with the students, discussing topics ranging from the environment and gas prices to partisanship and the war in Ukraine. One of the most unique parts of my visits was touring the Casa Grande United Anglers hatchery. These students are doing incredible work right there on campus to protect coho salmon populations, and I’m excited to see how their project progresses.
Students show Rep. Huffman the hatchery on campus.
Standing United Against Antisemitism
Recently, there has been an appalling resurgence of antisemitism in Marin. Last week, I joined Bay Area community leaders in sending a clear message: we will not tolerate discrimination, hate speech, acts of violence, and bigotry of any kind. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we need to do whatever we can to take care of our communities and look out for our neighbors. You can be sure that I will work to pursue swift and severe responses to these forms of hatred. I stand in solidarity with my Jewish neighbors, and I will continue to serve as an ally.
Other News:
- As co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, I hosted a briefing about the role of White Christian Nationalism during the January 6th insurrection. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Freedom from Religion Foundation joined as special guests to give a deep-dive on their recently released report demonstrating the many ways that Christian Nationalism was at the heart of the insurrection. This briefing shed a lot of light on this violent ideology and served as a powerful reminder for reaffirming the separation of church and state.
- After years of advocating for funding to dredge the San Rafael Channel, I’m excited to say we finally secured it in this year’s budget. After 20 long years of getting silted in, this vital artery for our community will at long last get the dredging it needs.
- Earlier this month, I joined my colleagues on Oversight Dems to call for the U.S. Postal Service Inspector General to investigate USPS' vehicle contract. A gas-guzzling fleet is clearly the wrong choice, and its own report shows that electric vehicles would save the Postal Service money in the long term. I’m happy to report that our efforts to electrify the USPS fleet are working: the USPS just announced it will increase the amount of EVs it plans to purchase. It’s a good step, but the vast majority of these vehicles must be EV’s—anything less isn’t enough. We’ll keep pushing to fully electrify the federal fleet.
Serving You
Whether it’s assistance working with a federal agency or providing information about legislation and policy, don’t forget – my staff and I are here to help. Below is just one example of how my office can help you:
“North Marin Community Services received a penalty notice for late filing of Form 990, when in fact the form was filed on time. After various failed attempts to reach out to the IRS directly, we contacted Congressman Huffman’s office. Rep. Huffman’s staff were extremely helpful in pursuing conversations with the IRS and reversing the penalty charges. We were relieved and grateful to receive this phenomenal news. Thank you, Congressman Huffman and staff, for being amazing advocates for North Marin Community Services. We appreciate your efforts greatly.” – Cheryl Paddack, CEO
If you’re in need of assistance, you can submit a Casework Authorization Form on my website if you need assistance.
If you would like to keep up with the work I am doing as your representative, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Best,
Jared Huffman
Member of Congress
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