Economy and Jobs

"Broadband is the express lane of the Internet, but for too long we’ve allowed other nations to pass by America," Rep. John Garamendi (CA-10) said. "We’re presently ranked 18th in the world in average broadband speed – four times slower than South Korea. In a global economy increasingly reliant on fast and reliable Internet access, especially in California, this investment in broadband is critically needed."

"Our public schools are the incubators of the next generation of Californians. We must continue to invest in education and our nation's future," said Congressman Garamendi, a former University of California regent and California State University trustee. "Multiple studies have shown one consistent rule in education reform: class size matters. Every teacher we layoff harms hundreds of students who suffer from reduced individual attention. This $487 million from ARRA will help California avoid more drastic cuts."

"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."

"In the 21st century, America faces at least three challenges that will shape the destiny of our great nation: the rising influence of oil states that don’t share our interests or values; the growing ecological crisis caused by climate change; and the continuing decline of the manufacturing sector that created our middle class," Congressman Garamendi explained. "Public investments in rail manufactured in America tackle all three challenges head on. Investments in public transportation and infrastructure are a win for our economy, a win for our environment, and a win for our national security."

"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."

“Offshore oil drilling is inherently unsafe, and it’s in our economic and national security interests to transition away from it,” Congressman Garamendi said. “Until that day, we need the best safety precautions possible, and we must make sure that when spills occur, residents and small businesses are adequately compensated. The CLEAR Act accomplishes these important goals.”

"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."

"These insurance companies are holding onto beneficiaries’ money for years after the deaths of loved ones without informing them that their money is not earning a market interest rate and is not FDIC insured," Garamendi added.