Dear Friends:
As Congress heads into the August recess, I want to take this opportunity to update you on the issues that I’m working on to make our Central Coast a better place. After reading this Newsletter, I hope you’ll think about the issues that matter to you most and please keep in touch. You can always call, email or write me a letter and I’ll do my best to respond. You can also receive real time updates by “liking” my facebook page here or following me on Twitter: @RepSamFarr. Hearing from you and listening to your comments helps me better represent our needs in Congress. I am honored to serve you and look forward to working together in the future!
BUILDING THE MIDDLE CLASS One of my top priorities is stabilizing our economy and creating jobs for the hardworking women and men living in California’s Central Coast. We in Congress must do everything in our power to shore up the middle class and provide Americans with the support they need to provide for themselves and their families. Read more.
AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE In June, the Supreme Court handed down its decision that found the health care reform law – the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – to be constitutional, with one exception. If you recall, the Court was asked to determine two things: whether the individual mandate was allowed, and whether the Medicaid expansion could be imposed on states. Read more.
INVESTMENTS IN EDUCATION Investing the future and ensuring our students are well prepared is incredibly important. We must invest in our schools to provide all our students with the resources, skills and training they need to be leaders in our global economy. We can no longer expect our students to win the future if we don’t give them the building blocks for success. Read more.
SAVING HOMES As our economy recovers, stabilizing our housing market and getting homeowners the support they need is vital. Earlier this year, you may recall that the CA state Attorney General and the nation’s five largest banks agreed to a $25 billion settlement for mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure abuses. These funds should provide important assistance for the struggling housing market and homeowners whose loans are owned or serviced by one of the five largest mortgage lenders may qualify for assistance. Read more.
OUR NEXT GREAT NATIONAL PARK The Pinnacles have long been a special place for Central Coast families to explore. The majestic volcanic spires and soaring condors create lasting memories for visitors coming to experience this California gem. We now have a real chance to elevate the Pinnacles into a National Park. By placing it on the same level as other great parks, like Yosemite or Death Valley, generations of tourists will want to visit this natural wonder. Read more.
WORKING FOR LOCAL FARMERS People often ask ‘Why do we need a Farm Bill?’ Most of us on the Central Coast understand how important a stable agriculture community is to our lives and our economy. But still many people do not fully understand exactly what the Farm Bill does. Read more.
CLEAN ENERGY SECURITY To ignore mankind’s contribution to climate change is perilous and Congress must invest in clean, renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Right here along our Central Coast, Fort Hunter Liggett was selected as one of six pilot installations for the U.S. Army net-zero energy program. Read more.
PROTECTING OUR OCEANS Our Central Coast district is beautiful and our oceans are critical for so many – surfers, swimmers, fisherman, scientists, students - and it’s a real boost for brining tourism dollars into our local economy. Since the tsunami that rocked Japan last year, debris is edging closer and closer to our coast. Already, a 66-foot dock washed ashore in Oregon and an abandoned Japanese fishing boat has been found off the coast of Washington. Read more.
PREVENTING ANIMAL CRUELTY Animals play important roles in so many of our lives and I am proud of my record as a strong supporter of animal rights efforts to end the abuse of all animals. In fact, the Humane Society of the United States recently named me the “Humane Legislator of the Year” for work done to promote animal rights. Read more.
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA To help keep you up to date on what's going on in Washington, follow me on Facebook and Twitter—two great forums for quick information and to share your thoughts and opinions. You can join the conversation on Facebook by clicking "Like" at facebook.com/RepSamFarr and "Follow" on Twitter: @RepSamFarr. Read more.
VISITING WASHINGTON, DC If you're visiting our nation's capital, I am ready to help you plan a memorable trip! My staff can help reserve tours for many of the most popular sites in DC including the White House, the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center and the Department of State Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Read more.
Thanks for taking the time to read this Newsletter and hopefully this information is useful. If there’s something you have a question about, or want more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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