02-24-19

My colleagues and I had our first full district work period week of the 116th Congress. This week, I participated in over 20 events across the counties of Fresno, Kern, and Kings. Check out what I’ve been doing throughout the district below. If you would like to invite me to an event in California, please reach out to my team at (661) 864-7736.

 

Follow my Journey Across CA-21

 

I had the opportunity to sit down with California Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross, farm bureaus from all four counties in the 21st Congressional District, and growers and producers from across the Central Valley. We discussed the challenges facing our farmers and ranchers and ways we could work together to ensure the Valley’s needs are met. I will always fight to ensure the Central Valley has a seat at the table and that we cease senseless trade wars that hurt our producers and our economy. 

 

After the Ag Roundtable, I stopped by the Super Drive Inn in Selma for one of the best cheeseburgers in the Valley. I love the Super Drive Inn not only for its food, but for its owner, Sam. Sam and I met over a year ago and his story is that story so familiar to many of us – the unique American experience of opportunity for anyone willing to put in hard work. Sam is an immigrant who struggled, fought, and eventually persevered to achieve his American Dream of owning his own business. It’s not easy to run your own business and I salute Sam and every other entrepreneur and business owner who is out there every day trying to provide for themselves, their families and their community.

 

I had a great time touring Olam in Firebaugh this week. The facility, which processes onions, garlic, and parsley employs almost 300 people during peak season bringing much needed economic growth to CA-21. The micro-biology that goes into each bulb of garlic or onion is incredible.  For any up-and-coming scientists out there -  please consider a career in food science!  

  

I was honored to speak to Mr. Bolar’s American Government class at Bakersfield City College. I left full of hope and inspiration after meeting his students, especially after answering their insightful and nuanced questions. These young men and women are our leaders of tomorrow.  We can rest with confidence of their commitment and engagement to make a positive difference in our communities. I hope some of them will consider interning for me either here in the Valley or in D.C! 

Thank you to the Adventist Health leadership team and staff for a wonderful meeting and tour of their facilities in Hanford and Selma. Healthcare has and will always be a major priority for me in Congress.  For me, healthcare is a human right. I’m dedicated to ensuring that all my constituents have access to quality, affordable healthcare in their local community. 

 

The Kings County Black History Committee did an outstanding job organizing this year’s Black History Celebration and Awards Dinner. My family and I had a wonderful time celebrating the contributions of the African-American community to CA-21 and our nation. Congratulations to this year’s Black History Committee Scholarship Recipients: Drew Rose, Imani Adkins, Elijah Irven and Ashly Fraizer.  I also got to surprise Paula Massey with an official copy of remarks I read into the Congressional Record last week. Paula’s contributions to our community and her advocacy for Valley Fever awareness is now enshrined in our Nation’s permanent written history.

TJ's  Recommended Reading

Frequently, I read articles or see videos that I think my constituents would benefit from.

New York Times (2/13/19) – How to Make Time With Family and Loved Ones Count 

With today’s busy world and increasing use of technology, phones, and social media it almost feels as if we are interacting less and less with our peers and loved ones. The New York Times article highlights the importance of being physically present in relationships and how to thrive in today’s culture of never having enough time.  

  

MIT Technology Review (11/23/18) – Seaweed could make cows burp less methane and cut their carbon hoofprint 

Climate change is real – there is no way anyone could deny the science at this day in age. We must begin to find innovative solutions to address it for the future of our children and families. The MIT Technology Review article goes into depth on how a diet supplemented with red algae could lessen the huge amounts of greenhouse gases emitted by cows and sheep.

 

Constituent Highlight

Congratulations to Selma sophomore, Richard Figueroa who made it to the California Wrestling State Championships and won his second wrestling state title at 106 pounds! 

Read the full story here. 

Constituent Services

If you need assistance with a federal agency, such as the Social Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service or any other federal government agency, my office may be able to help. Make sure to reach out to my Bakersfield Office at (661) 864-7736 or via email at CA21TC.casework@mail.house.gov for further information and assistance.  

 

Survey

 

I always want to hear from my constituents and will always look to you for advice on how to vote on policy and what legislation I should support. As part of this effort, I will occasionally ask questions in my weekly e-newsletters. I look forward to receiving your response for this week's question.  Do you support President Trump's Emergency Declaration?

Yes   No

 

 

Staying Informed

You can find more press releases, commentary and information on issues I’m working on at cox.house.gov. I also encourage you to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

 

In your service, 
 
TJ Cox
Member of Congress