Garamendi Names UC Davis Student as Virtual Guest to State of the Union

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Adriana Leal, Rep. Garamendi's Virtual State of the Union Guest

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA) is uplifting UC Davis student, Adriana Leal, as his Hometown Hero virtual guest to President Biden's State of the Union Address to Congress.

Adriana is a Junior at UC Davis majoring in Political Science who is active in her community through various philanthropic efforts and her role as an Academic Success Tutor at a local high school. The COVID-19 pandemic was hard no Adriana. She relied on her $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and the expansion of CalFresh assistance that was made possible through the American Rescue Plan to make ends meet throughout the pandemic.

The State of the Union Address highlighted the achievements and work still to be done under the leadership of President Biden. While safety protocols meant this year's in-person attendance was limited, Garamendi said inviting Adriana as his virtual guest is an important way to honor the people of California and uplift their stories.

"Our country has made tremendous strides this past year thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure and Jobs Act. So, for this year's State of the Union Address I wanted to highlight one of the millions of hardworking Americans whose perseverance in the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic fueled our nation's historic recovery. People like my guest, Adriana, are the true heroes behind America's progress over the past year, and I am proud to uplift her as my virtual guest to the State of the Union Address," said Garamendi.

"I love that I'm able to get involved in so much during my time as a student, but none of this would be possible without the benefits made possible through laws like the American Rescue Plan," said Adriana, who watched the speech in Davis, CA. "The $1,400 Economic Impact Payment allowed me to continue paying my rent over the summer, buy my first car, and continue making a difference in students' lives. The expansion of the Calfresh program has also made a significant difference in my life," Adriana Continued.

"I'm a low-income first-generation student, and I have watched as some of my peers have battled with food insecurity while trying to maintain a job and continue being a full-time student. This assistance I receive to help with groceries not only allows me to have a healthier diet by cooking at home, but also relieves me from the anxiety of not knowing when my next meal will be. Policies like the American Rescue Plan give me the freedom to become involved both on campus, and in my local community, and I am endlessly grateful for that," Adriana concluded.