Social Justice

"We’ve seen too many families lose their homes and too many communities lose their character because of the foreclosure crisis. Abandoned homes can expose our neighborhoods to blight, crime, and hopelessness," said Congressman John Garamendi. "When this Congress passed tough Wall Street reform this year, we insisted that the final package include significant assistance for homeowners and local communities. Today more than $6 million of that promise is being delivered to residents in Contra Costa and Solano counties."

"As the father of five daughters, I want to live in a society where women can pursue their dreams. Access to the ballot box is not in itself sufficient to tear down millennia of societal barriers to equality, but it is a critical step. We are a more resilient and more democratic nation today, because 90 years ago, America became more American through the passage of the 19th Amendment."

"This Congress has built on the legacy of Social Security. Because of laws passed this year, we’re closing the prescription drug 'donut hole', offering free preventative care in Medicare, bolstering senior nutrition programs, and creating new employment opportunities for seniors," Garamendi added. "This Senior Resources Fair is a continuation of our commitment to you. I hope you take advantage of the many services available to you today."

"When Democrats in Congress voted for health care reform earlier this year, we did so with the confidence that we were improving health care access for millions of seniors," Congressman Garamendi said. "These $250 rebates, along with the free preventative and primary care available to seniors next year, are early steps in the process. In a few years, we will completely close the donut hole and continue to improve coverage for our seniors."

"With every teacher we lay off, hundreds of students face larger class sizes and less individual attention – and all the studies show that these are among the most important variables in determining the success of our students," Congressman Garamendi said. "Today, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues in the House to stand with our teachers and students, because the prosperity of our great nation depends on a well-educated workforce."

"Today’s ruling is not the end of the fight for equality. There will be more appeals and more debate. True marriage equality may take years or even decades, but I am confident that the wisdom of time will shine favorably on those who stand with equality."

"This bill is good for Travis, good for California, and good for America," Congressman Garamendi said. "We’re making sure that Solano County’s largest employer is accessible to its thousands of employees, and we are investing in essential housing and transportation projects that will help put breadwinners in struggling families back to work. In this economy, ‘no more investment’ is not an option."

"Today is a very good day for Main Street and hardworking Americans. We have taken important steps to fight insatiable Wall Street greed and to promote long-term stability in our economy," Congressman Garamendi said. "We are adding critical protections for the American people, including homeowner assistance and the formation of an independent consumer protection agency to advocate on consumers' behalf."