Governor Honors 102 Year-Old WWII Veteran

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. met with 102 year-old WWII veteran Bea Cohen today at the State Capitol, as part of celebrations honoring Women’s Military History Week. Ms. Cohen is believed to be the oldest living female WWII veteran in California and one of the oldest in the country.

A native of Buhush, Romania, Ms. Cohen witnessed the start of WWI before immigrating to the United States as a child. When the second World War started, Ms. Cohen produced munitions and war supplies at the Douglas Aircraft Company in Los Angeles before enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a Private First Class, she was assigned to Elveden, England, where she worked in top-secret communications. Today, Ms. Cohen lives in Los Angeles and still attends meetings at the West Los Angeles Veterans Home.

Earlier today, Ms. Cohen was the guest of honor at a state reception honoring all women veterans and military personnel, where she was recognized by the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the Governor’s Office and the California State Assembly.

Denham: Creating Jobs in California

Dear Friend,

 

Last night I had the rare opportunity to meet with Governor Brown and the California Congressional Delegation.  While there were topics where we did not see eye to eye, we agreed there are many job-creating policies we can collaborate on for the betterment of California.

 

I was sure to ask Governor Brown about the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012, H.R. 7.  There are specific provisions that have spurred conflict within our delegation, but we all know we must improve the freeways, roads and bridges in California.  This piece of legislation is the largest transportation reform bill introduced since the Interstate Highway System was created in 1956, and it is bound to stir up areas of disagreement.  However, the American Energy  & Infrastructure Jobs Act would not only improve our nation's aging transportation infrastructure, it would increase California’s funding levels by 23% from last year, and increase the state's flexibility in determining its most critical transportation needs.  

 

We must put an end to the double-digit unemployment rate in the Valley. H.R. 7 would support the creation of more than one million private-sector jobs and cut the bureaucratic red tape in the infrastructure project approval process.

 

Specific provisions in every bill will spur debate among our delegation; but tonight, we had an opportunity to discuss ideas to create jobs in California and make our state competitive again.

 

Sincerely,

 

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative

Governor Brown and U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Reaffirm Strong Support for High-Speed Rail

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today reaffirmed their strong support for building High-Speed Rail in California.

Secretary LaHood has traveled around the state this week to discuss the project with state and local officials as well as stakeholders.

 Governor Brown and Secretary LaHood issued the following statements after a meeting in the Governor’s Office this morning:

 “High-Speed Rail is a key step in modernizing our transportation system and will create much needed and good paying jobs,” said Governor Brown. “Secretary LaHood and I have joined together to advance the cause of California High-Speed Rail.”

 “Over the past week, I have traveled all over the Golden State and have found a strong base of support for the California High-Speed Rail project, from workers who will build it, manufacturers that will supply the trains to run on it and businesses that will benefit from using it,” said Secretary LaHood. “The Obama Administration is committed to High-Speed Rail because it is good for the economy and the nation. I look forward to working with Governor Brown to make this project as successful as possible.”

 Photo Credit: Justin Short, Office of the Governor.

Governor Brown to Deliver State of the State Address on January 18

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. will deliver his State of the State address before a joint session of the California legislature on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

 

 When: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

 Where: Assembly Chambers, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

 **NOTE: Media interested in covering the event must be credentialed by the office of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez. For further information contact John Vigna in the Speaker’s Office at (916) 319-2408.

CRP Chairman Del Beccaro's Comments on Gov. Brown's Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO — California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro today issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s budget proposal:

 

"In just a year’s time, Governor Brown has gone from 'checking in with the voters' to holding them hostage with supposedly devastating trigger cuts that mask his inability to make tough, reform-minded decisions. Brown is doubling down on the same ineffective strategies that pushed California into this mess. Californians have no reason to believe his budget is sincere; it lacks innovation as well as any meaningful structural reforms.

 

"This cynical, scare tactic budget strategy once again hinges on the hope that voters will ignore their own financial problems to bail out the Democrats with another ill-advised tax increase. It didn't work last year and there's no reason to believe that a new year will bring new results."

Governor Releases Updated Schedule of Climate Conference

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released additional details on panel participants and the issues that will be covered at the Governor’s Conference on Extreme Climate Risks and California’s Future.

 

The conference will be held tomorrow, December 15, 2011 at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Due to space limitations, attendance is by invitation only. The entire conference will also be webcast live on Governor Brown’s website at www.gov.ca.gov and conference viewers can submit questions to conference speakers through this site.

 

 Event registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and the conference will begin at 9:30 a.m. See below for additional media information, a full agenda with speech and panel times and parking information.

 

The Governor’s Conference on Extreme Climate Risks and California’s Future

 

 Participants (partial list):

 • California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.

 • Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

• Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

 • Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group

 • Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality

 Other participants include public safety, insurance industry, public health and climate change experts, emergency response officials, public utility experts and farmers.

 

 Topics:

 • California and the Global Climate Challenge

 • Climate Change’s Human and Economic Impacts on California

 • A National Perspective on Climate Action

 • Climate Solutions to Protect California Communities and Help our Economy

 • Perspectives on California's Leadership on Climate Change

 

 Media interested in attending the conference should RSVP to Richard.Stapler@resources.ca.gov or call 916-653-9402. All press attendees must have current, valid media credentials.

Governor Directs Administration to Cut Costs, Increase Efficiency Using Honest, Common-Sense Budgeting Methods

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued an Executive Order directing the California Department of Finance (DOF) to incorporate common sense program-evaluation methods into the budgeting process, in order to fund programs based on their necessity and effectiveness. The Order’s goal is to cut costs and increase efficiency in this and future year state budgets.

 

The program-evaluation methods directed in the Executive Order include zero-based budgeting, performance measures, strategic planning, audits, cost-benefit analyses and program reviews.

 

The administration is already using program-evaluation budget methods to cut costs and excess. Yesterday, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) announced its plan to establish the Department of State Hospitals (DSH) along with reforms to its structure. These changes are the result of Governor Brown’s 2011 May Revision, which directed streamlining and efficiency measures at DMH to enhance patient care and overall safety.

 

“We examined spending at the Department of Mental Health and used zero-based budgeting to lower costs while maintaining appropriate treatments and enhancing safety,” said Department of Finance Director Ana Matosantos. “As a result, DMH will achieve total General Fund savings in the current budget year of about $120 million and about $183 million in the 2012-2013 budget year.”

 

Under today’s Executive Order, DOF must present a plan within 90 days to modify the budget process to incorporate program-evaluation methods.

 

 The Governor committed to issuing this Executive Order in his October 9, 2011 veto message of Senate Bill 14 (Wolk).

 

The full text of the Executive Order is below:

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER B-13-11

 

WHEREAS substantial steps have been taken to reduce California’s fiscal deficit, but additional measures are necessary both to cut state spending and improve operational efficiency; and

 

WHEREAS the State’s budgeting method focuses on incremental changes to the prior year’s funding, rather than a deeper review of a department or program; and

 

WHEREAS California needs a better approach to its budgeting; and

 

WHEREAS there are many methods, including zero-based budgeting, performance measures, strategic planning, audits, cost-benefit analyses, and program reviews, that can assist in increasing effectiveness and achieving a balanced budget; and

 

WHEREAS many departments have effective methods to evaluate and improve programs, yet these successes are often not shared with the public or other departments; and

 

WHEREAS employing these methods requires close collaboration with the Legislature to establish mutual agreement on establishing program goals and how to measure performance.

 

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, issue this Order to become effective immediately:

 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Director of Finance shall create a plan for modifying the budget process to increase efficiency and focus on accomplishing program goals. The plan should be developed in collaboration with agency secretaries and department directors and submitted to the Governor’s Office within 90 days of this Order.

 

It should outline the following:

 

 1. A strategy to incorporate program-evaluation methods into the budget process for selected activities and programs. These methods include zero-based budgeting, performance measures, strategic planning, audits, cost-benefit analyses, and program reviews.

2. Ways to ensure transparency about program goals, outcomes, and funding.

3. A process for collaborating with the Legislature, particularly in establishing program goals and measuring program outcomes.

4. A structure to work with local governments to develop methods to measure and evaluate performance of state-funded, locally-administered programs.

5. An implementation timeline beginning with the release of the 2012–13 Governor’s Budget.

 

This Executive Order is not intended to create, and does not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.

 

I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State and that it be given widespread publicity and notice.

 

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 7th day of December, 2011.

 

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

 Governor of California

 

ATTEST:

 

DEBRA BOWEN

Secretary of State

CRP Statement in Response to Governor Brown's Call for Massive Tax Increases

SACRAMENTO — California Republican Party Chairman Tom Del Beccaro today issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown's latest call for massive new tax increases:

 

"For more than a decade, Sacramento Democrats have been coming up with one tax raising scheme or another - none of which have worked.  The answer to our budget and revenue problems lies not in taking more money from those already working but in finding work for those that are not.

 

"The fact that Governor Brown refused to present his tax hike to the press today demonstrates that he knows it is an unworthy proposal. Rather than simply sending Californians invoices for his spending sprees, he should go about reducing the size of the California government."

An Open Letter to the People of California

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following open letter to the people of California:

 

December 5, 2011

 

When I became Governor again—28 years after my last term ended in 1983—California was facing a $26.6 billion budget deficit. It was the result of years of failing to match spending with tax revenues as budget gimmicks instead of honest budgeting became the norm.

 

In January, I proposed a budget that combined deep cuts with a temporary extension of some existing taxes. It was a balanced approach that would have finally closed our budget gap.

 

I asked the legislature to enact this plan and to allow you, the people of California, to vote on it. I believed that you had the right to weigh in on this important choice: should we decently fund our schools or lower our taxes? I don’t know how you would have voted, but we will never know. The Republicans refused to provide the four votes needed to put this measure on the ballot.

 

 Forced to act alone, Democrats went ahead and enacted massive cuts and the first honest, on-time budget in a decade. But without the tax extensions, it was simply not possible to eliminate the state’s structural deficit.

 

The good news is that our financial condition is much better than a year ago. We cut the ongoing budget deficit by more than half, reduced the state’s workforce by about 5,500 positions and cut unnecessary expenses like cell phones and state cars. We actually cut state expenses by over $10 billion. Spending is now at levels not seen since the seventies. Our state’s credit rating has moved from “negative” to “stable,” laying the foundation for job creation and a stronger economic recovery.

 

 Unfortunately, the deep cuts we made came at a huge cost. Schools have been hurt and state funding for our universities has been reduced by 25%. Support for the elderly and the disabled has fallen to where it was in 1983. Our courts suffered debilitating reductions.

 

The stark truth is that without new tax revenues, we will have no other choice but to make deeper and more damaging cuts to schools, universities, public safety and our courts.

 

That is why I am filing today an initiative with the Attorney General’s office that would generate nearly $7 billion in dedicated funding to protect education and public safety. I am going directly to the voters because I don’t want to get bogged down in partisan gridlock as happened this year. The stakes are too high.

 

 My proposal is straightforward and fair. It proposes a temporary tax increase on the wealthy, a modest and temporary increase in the sales tax, and guarantees that the new revenues be spent only on education. Here are the details:

 

• Millionaires and high-income earners will pay up to 2% higher income taxes for five years. No family making less than $500,000 a year will see their income taxes rise. In fact, fewer than 2% of California taxpayers will be affected by this increase.

• There will be a temporary ½ cent increase in the sales tax. Even with this temporary increase, sales taxes will still be lower than what they were less than six months ago.

• This initiative dedicates funding only to education and public safety—not on other programs that we simply cannot afford.

 

This initiative will not solve all of our fiscal problems. But it will stop further cuts to education and public safety.

 

I ask you to join with me to get our state back on track.

A PDF version of the letter can be found here.

 

Jerry Brown

ICYMI: Pension reform will free up dollars for schools

Pension Reform Will Free Up Dollars For Schools

BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER KRISTIN OLSEN

 

Recently, Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his state worker pension reform proposal to the public. He presented a plan that, at least on paper, is a good start, ending the worst abuses in the system and requiring future employees to more equitably share in the cost of retirement benefits.

 

It is a good sign that many of the ideas the Governor put forward are ideas that Republicans have pushed for years. Pension costs are consuming a larger chunk of the state budget each year, threatening classroom funding.

 

According to the bipartisan Little Hoover Commission, the 10 largest public pension funds in California – including CalPERS – faced a combined shortfall of more than $240 billion in 2010. Researchers at Stanford University have come up with an even more shocking number – they estimate unfunded pension obligations to be as high as $500 billion.

 

The nonpartisan… (Read more)

 

Source: Turlock Journal

Governor Brown Issues Proclamation Declaring Thanksgiving Day

PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

 

The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was a celebration of the harvest that brought together the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation and the Native Americans who helped them adapt to their new environment. Over the years Thanksgiving became an American tradition and one of the first holidays we celebrated as a free and independent nation. In 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first Thanksgiving observance in the newly formed United States of America, writing that “it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”

 

Thanksgiving has continued to be one of our most cherished observances, a day to join with family and friends and feast on traditional delicacies from roasted turkey to pumpkin pie, foods that commemorate the joining of the Old World and the New that brought about that First Thanksgiving long ago.

 

It is most fitting that we set aside a special day for gratitude. As Americans, we have every reason to give thanks for the wonderful bounty of our land, the strength of our fellow citizens and our system of government that protects our basic freedoms.

 

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim November 24, 2011, as Thanksgiving Day.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of November 2011.

Governor Brown Announces 80th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on December 7th

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the 80th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 7th on the West Steps of the State Capitol.

 

This year's tree is a 40-foot tall white fir tree donated by the U.S. Forest Service’s Institute of Forest Genetics in Camino, El Dorado County. It will be placed on the west lawn of the Capitol.

 

The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. It will be illuminated by 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.

 

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 4:45 p.m.

Where: State Capitol, West Steps, Sacramento, California, 95814

 

**Note: This event is open to the public and credentialed media. Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to benefit the California Emergency Foodlink. This event will be webcast on the Governor’s website: www.gov.ca.gov.

It's The Vision Thing, Jerry Brown

By Thomas Del Beccaro, CRP Chairman (as seen in Flash Report)
 

Nearly a year after his election, Jerry Brown’s second try at Governor is just about as inspiring as a 2 AM rerun. Simply stated, his governorship lacks a vision. Brown has not challenged Californians to achieve anything nor has he empowered them to succeed on their own. Brown's sole purpose appears to be nothing more than to demand that Californians bail out Sacramento. The years to come are likely to be no different.

 

There are political leaders that set a clear agenda, challenge their constituents to reach new heights and then empower them to succeed. On the other hand, there are managers of government that lack a vision and seek only minor adjustments to the status quo. Surely, Jerry Brown is among the latter.

 

At the time he took office, California suffered among the nation's worst unemployment and Californians had lost over 1/4th of the nation’s home equity. Central Valley farming remains in a depression and inter-city schools are among the nation's worst.

 

In response, Brown has declared no over-arching goals let alone help Californians to take command of their future. Brown remains Sacramento-centric. His only focus appears to be the state budget and his only response is more laws.

 

There is no grand plan, urgent or otherwise, to restore jobs in this state. For instance, despite a full legislative session, Brown offers… (Read more)

Source: CA GOP

Governor Brown to Release Pension Reform Plan Tomorrow in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. will unveil his proposals to reform California’s public employee pension system tomorrow in Sacramento.

 

 Press Conference

 When: Tomorrow, Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

 Where: Governor's Press Conference Room, Room 1190, California State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

 **Note: This press conference is open to credentialed media only. It will be webcast on the Governor's website at: www.gov.ca.gov.

 

 Post-Press Conference Policy Telephone Briefing

When: Tomorrow, Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 12:00 p.m.

Participants: Department of Finance Director Ana Matosantos and Labor and Workforce Development Agency Secretary Marty Morgenstern

 

Call-In: 877-917-6902

Passcode: 8180058

 

**Note: This policy briefing is by telephone only and is open only to credentialed media.

Obama's California Misery Tour Shows Lack of Vision

SACRAMENTO — While President Obama makes another fundraising trip to California today to fill up his campaign coffers in Hollywood and San Francisco, California voters have been visibly disappointed by his lack of vision and economic policies that have failed to deliver jobs and economic relief. Their misery has been recorded in the President's rapidly falling numbers in California, where a recent Field Poll shows that, for the first time since Obama took office, fewer than half of state voters approved of his overall performance.

 

Here's Obama's California record:

 

•Since Obama Became President, California Has Lost 430,300 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Increased From 9.7 Percent To 11.9 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov, as of 10/21/11)

 •The White House Predicted That The First $825 Billion Stimulus Would Save Or Create 396,000 Jobs In California. ("UPDATED: American Recovery And Reinvestment Act: State-By-State Jobs Impact," WhiteHouse.gov, 2/13/09)

 •Since The First Stimulus Was Passed, California Has Lost 304,700 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Increased From 10.1 Percent To 11.9 Percent. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov, as of 10/21/11)

  

"It's bad enough that Jerry Brown and the rest of the Democrats in Sacramento have no clue about how to solve California's fiscal crisis, but now President Obama has compounded the problem by booking another Golden State fly-by," said CRP Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. "By proving that he's more concerned about fighting for his own job than fighting for ours, Obama has become the visionless captain of a sinking ship."

Source: CA GOP

Governor Brown Opens New Dell Facility, Welcomes Hundreds of New Jobs to California

SANTA CLARA – In a move that will bring hundreds of new jobs to California, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today joined Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell to open the company’s newest research and development center in Santa Clara.

 

“California is the world capital of innovation and technology, so it’s only natural that Dell has chosen Santa Clara as the home for its newest Research and Development facility,” Brown said. “This new facility will create hundreds of cutting-edge technology jobs at a time when we need them most. Dell has made a sound investment by expanding in California, and I look forward to further expansions of Dell’s presence here in the Golden State.”

 

 The Dell Silicon Valley Research and Development Center will occupy approximately 240,000 square feet of space in two buildings and eventually house approximately 700 team members. The first phase of occupancy is underway and will continue through next year. Including those housed at the new campus in Santa Clara, Dell expects to have more than 1,500 employees in Silicon Valley by the end of next year.

 

 “We are making significant and thoughtful investments to develop and acquire industry-leading intellectual property,” Dell said. “Silicon Valley is a center of technological innovation and we are looking to recruit from the great talent pool here for high-level jobs in network design, storage development, cloud computing and software development. The new positions we add here are part of more than 1,500 jobs we’re creating in the U.S. this year to help expand our technology solutions portfolio.”

Governor Brown Issues Statement on the Death of Steve Jobs

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs.

"Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives. Anne and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Steve’s wife, Laurene, and their entire family."

Statement by Republican Leader Conway on Governor Brown's Veto of Unionized Family Child Care Bill

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, of Tulare, today issued the following statement following Governor Brown’s veto of Assembly Bill 101, the unionized family child care bill passed by legislative Democrats:

"Today’s veto preserves affordable child care options for California’s families during these tough economic times.  Higher costs due to unionization would have resulted in fewer services for working families who desperately need child care.

"Instead of passing new ‘job killer’ laws, it’s time for the Legislature to get back to what matters most – improving our economic climate so we can create more private sector jobs, which will generate the revenue required to support essential services.  Until we do, our state will continue to struggle with high unemployment and severe budget deficits well into the future."

Weekly Update from Rep. Denham

Dear Friend,

 

This district work week was very busy but extremely informative and helpful for me. I heard from many of you at various events, roundtables and meetings throughout the district. Today, I was able to speak at the Natural Resources Summit in Sonora.  Congratulations to my friend Assemblywoman Olsen for throwing such a great event for us to discuss ways to responsibly manage California's natural resources. Here in the Valley, water is a great example of a natural resource that we can utilize to create jobs, while also ensuring a consistent and reliable water supply to the Valley. 

 

Unfortunately, our efforts to create jobs are continually blocked by bureaucracies and government regulations. In April, I introduced H.R. 1604 to streamline environmental regulations for Bureau of Reclamation water projects and eliminate regulations that even Governor Brown has said are bogging down job creation. 

 

Costly lawsuit abuse and onerous regulations are also standing in the way of business growth in our community.  With double-digit unemployment in our area, I know how important it is to get people working again.  As we all know, our country's economic recovery is going to start here in our local communities. This week, I hosted small business roundtables in Modesto and Fresno and visited with the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce to hear first-hand the ideas and concerns of our local job creators. Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen and Assemblywoman Linda Halderman were able to join me at the business roundtables to provide their insight from the state level. America's economic recovery begins with our local communities, and I look forward to continuing the discussion on how to reduce these regulations and get our friends and neighbors back to work. 

 

Earlier this week, I announced my participation in the latest YouTube Town Hall. I discussed the concerns I have heard from many of you and the actions I have taken in Congress to increase confidence in our local job creators and their businesses.  I encourage you to watch my video, and let me know what you think on my facebook page.  You can also submit your own questions to YouTube for Congress to answer and vote for the answer that you agree with. 

 

Across the country there are too many men and women returning home from serving our country that cannot find a job or afford a home. I visited with many of these veterans at WestCare's Home Front facility on Wednesday.  Home Front is a residential program designed specifically for homeless female military veterans and their children. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I have been working hard in Washington to improve the quality of care that veterans are receiving and to make sure they are aware of the care available to them. I was humbled to hear their stories and was very proud that WestCare is helping so many men and women in our area. 

 

In addition to taking care of our veterans, I also want to ensure that men and women interested in serving our country have the information they need to attend our country's Military Academies.   Earlier this week, I hosted Academy Information Nights in Modesto and Fresno, where representatives from the Military Academies made short presentations, answered questions and served as a great resource for prospective attendees.   It was very inspiring to meet many of these young men and women, discuss my service in the Air Force, and hear about their desire to serve. 

 

This week, the House adopted a short-term Continuing Resolution by voice vote. This will fund the government until we vote next Tuesday to provide much-needed disaster assistance and fund the government through November 18th. During votes and my committee hearings in Washington, I will remember the concerns and ideas you shared with me this week and will be sure to keep you updated on recent developments. 

 

I want to thank all of my followers on facebook and twitter.  Both forums provide a great way to stay up-to-date with my activity and learn about upcoming events and votes. I also encourage you to tell your friends and family members to sign up for this weekly re-cap, as well as participate in the YouTube Town Hall and help me spread my message about reducing regulations to create jobs.

 

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

JEFF DENHAM

United States Representative