Health Care
WASHINGTON – Four bills introduced by Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) were included in the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act and passed the House today. The bills will increase the number of doctors in California, ensure greater transparency in health insurance for unemployed people, provide more fresh fruit and vegetables for low-income kids, and protect the families of fallen servicemembers.
WASHINGTON – In response to concerns from local Community Health Centers (CHCs) regarding medical personnel layoffs and provider shortages, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has introduced the Health Care Workforce Protection Act. The bill would provide doctors in the United States on H-1B Visas to remain here – even if they are laid off – until 60 days after the end of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Modesto, CA – After a worker at Tracy's Amazon fulfillment center died from complications of the Coronavirus, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) sent a letter to Amazon's CEO Jeff Bezos asking for answers. Amazon has been repeatedly criticized for failing to establish clear worker protections, not proactively disclosing employee illnesses at its distribution centers, and firing employees for expressing concern about these conditions.
Modesto, CA – After nearly 100 residents and workers tested positive for Coronavirus at a Turlock nursing home, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) sent a letter to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) slamming the agency's response and demanding quicker action. On Thursday, CMS announced it would launch a commission to address the issue, but the panel isn't even set to meet until the end of May. No timeline for results or subsequent actions has been announced.
WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation to provide supplemental support to small businesses and to increase testing.
WASHINGTON – In response to concerns from local Community Health Centers (CHCs) regarding layoffs and provider shortages, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has asked the Congressional Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis to help immigrant doctors who are at risk of losing their visas. Immigrant doctors who are laid off because of budget shortfalls are required to find a new source of employment within two months or must leave the country.
WASHINGTON – Representatives Josh Harder (CA-10) and Paul Mitchell (MI-10) along with three other colleagues today sent a letter to Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asking that first responders be added to the top priority category to receive Coronavirus testing. Last month, the CDC recommended testing prioritization to local authorities, but did not include first responders in the first category.
Modesto, CA – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today announced that Stanislaus County will receive between $90-$96 million through the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. Rep. Harder supported the passage of the CARES Act in Congress, which made the money available through a new program. The county will use the funding to expand services and cover unexpected costs that have resulted from the response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Modesto, CA – As mental health challenges increase amid the Coronavirus, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has asked the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide immediate federal assistance to the Central Valley. Rep. Harder's office has heard from dozens of constituents and organizations concerned about increasing mental health issues, including suicide. Congress provided an additional $425 million to allow SAMHSA to support local mental health providers, but that funding has not yet reached the Central Valley.
WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today voted to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the third sweeping bipartisan bill to help America fight the Coronavirus and ensuing economic chaos. The bill will provide direct stimulus payments to individuals and small businesses, extend unemployment insurance, and expedite the production and purchase of necessary medical equipment for medical personnel. Rep.