Jobs & Education

WASHINGTON — After a months long push by Representative Josh Harder (CA-10), the Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced it has begun distributing the $2 billion it was allotted in March to help unemployment agencies like EDD implement desperately needed reforms. Rep. Harder voted to send $2 billion to the DOL through the American Rescue Plan to help states prevent unemployment fraud, promote equitable access, and ensure timely payment of benefits.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced the launch of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) application period which will help connect Central Valley families with the high-speed internet they need at home. The program covers the costs of laptops, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity for students, school staff, and library patrons. Rep. Harder is urging Valley schools and libraries to apply for funding to help them deliver the tools families need to connect to the internet.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) is leading a new bipartisan effort to take on EDD fraud, recover lost funds, and support victims of identity theft alongside Republicans including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Reps. Michelle Steel (CA-48), Devin Nunes (CA-22), and Darrel Issa (CA-50) .

WASHINGTON — In advance of today's meeting between President Joe Biden and the bipartisan group of senators negotiating the new infrastructure package, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) once again called on Congress and the president not to raise the gas tax. Earlier this month, Democrats and Republicans alike suggested raising the gas tax as a way to pay for a new infrastructure plan and the idea continues to garner support among some members of Congress. Rep.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) introduced the bipartisan Making Education More Affordable and Accessible Act alongside Republican Rep. Tom Reed (NY-23). The bill would help high school students on their pathway to a college, technical degree, or other post-secondary opportunity by investing in and expanding dual-enrollment and stackable credit programs.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase their speed in delivering the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants intended to help reopen thousands of closed venues across the country. As it stands after two months of the program being open, only 3% of applications for the grant have even been reviewed by the federal government.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced that the IRS will continue to provide tax credits of up to $17,110 per employee to help local small businesses cover the costs of providing paid sick and family leave for workers through September. Along with using the leave to care for themselves and family who are sick, workers can also use paid leave to get their COVID vaccinations and take time off to recover from any temporary side effects from the shot.

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Harder (CA-10) secured the inclusion of the 7^th Street Bridge and State Route 132 projects in the upcoming INVEST in America Act. Together, the projects will amount to $18.5 million in new federal investments in the Central Valley. Securing a place for both projects in this bill is a momentous first step toward getting them enacted into law. The 7^th Street Bridge is one of the most dangerous and poorly rated bridges in California.