Jobs & Education

WASHINGTON – Today, two amendments introduced by Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) to help California protect the public from wildfires passed the House of Representatives as part of the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act. The amendments focus on protecting electrical infrastructure and reducing the effects of smoke on outdoor workers. The bill containing the amendments will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

Electrical Infrastructure Amendment

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today introduced the Apprenticeships to College Act, which would expand a program allowing skilled workers to earn college credit for apprenticeships they've already completed. In California, most apprenticeships last one to five years, meaning although skilled professionals have already spent a substantial amount of time studying for their career, many are not eligible for college credit.

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) introduced the Senate companion to Representative Josh Harder's (CA-10) Protecting Fairs During Coronavirus Act. The bill would establish a $5 billion federal grant program to offset fair revenue losses during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

WASHINGTON – In response to concerns from school districts across the Central Valley, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has written a letter asking the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to allow school districts to continue their nutrition programs through the end of the school year regardless of in-person opening status.

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) and Senator Dianne Feinstein today introduced the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Authorization Act to establish an airborne snow observatory (ASO) and measurement program within the Department of the Interior. Without accurate readings, water managers could be forced to unnecessarily release water from reservoirs or use it for groundwater pumping, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses.

Modesto, CA – Next week, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) will host an informational webinar to provide teachers with free additional resources to help them effectively adapt to distance learning and give them resources for the non-traditional school year. The Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress will join the event to discuss the resources they have created for teachers during this difficult time, including the Smithsonian's learning lab and distance learning resources.

Modesto, CA – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today sent a letter to State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and Governor Gavin Newsom asking that the state of California prioritize staffing of mental health professionals during the Coronavirus Pandemic. With students at home and missing normal social and educational opportunities, Rep. Harder wants to ensure mental health is considered a top priority as the state develops and implements its plans for the school year.

WASHINGTON – After securing substantial support in last year's funding package, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced that this year's water development funding bill also includes millions in funding for water storage projects which benefit the Central Valley. The bill passed the House today on a vote of 217-197.