Media

Modesto, CA – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, today sounded the alarm on possible teacher layoffs this summer, resulting from Governor Newsom's proposed eight percent budget cut to districts' general fund, as a result of a state law which expressly allows mid-summer layoffs. In a letter to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate President Toni Atkins, Rep. Harder encouraged suspension of the relevant education code.

WASHINGTON – In response to a shocking report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) showing that more than three-quarters of nursing homes neglect to follow proper infection protocol, Representative Josh Harder contacted the agency responsible for regulating nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to ask for answers and urge immediate action.

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos asking that she rescind her guidance directing public funds meant for public schools to private ones. Secretary DeVos is notorious for her relentless ideological push to privatize schools and divert public funds to private interests.

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos asking for answers and quick remediation for the five million student loan borrowers who have had their credit scores tanked during the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act automatically suspended payments on most federal student loans through September and required that those suspended payments not count against borrowers' credit.

Modesto, CA – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) today is calling on the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to provide a clear timeline for the distribution of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Even though the CARES Act included provisions to move swiftly and extend unemployment distribution, the EDD announced that payments will not be fulfilled until at least July 2020 for those whose unemployment ran out before the pandemic began but are now eligible for the extension.

WASHINGTON – Today Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced he will introduce the Coronavirus Service Corps Act, which would create a program modeled after the New Deal-Era Citizen Conservation Corps. The program would employ young people for up to a year in jobs related to safely reopening the country, including contact tracers, phlebotomists, and peer counselors. Unemployment is approaching record levels, and studies show that young people are often the hardest hit during economic crises. Rep.

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) announced that this week he will introduce the Nursing Home Pandemic Safety Act of 2020, legislation which will require nursing homes to test residents and employees with the help of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The bill would require HHS to enter into contracts with test producers to procure tests specifically designated for nursing homes and skilled nursing homes. It would also explicitly require facilities to make tests available to residents and staff.

Modesto, CA – Tomorrow, May 21, 2020 from 6 PM – 7 PM Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) will hold a telephone town hall with Stanislaus County Public Health Officer Julie Vaishampayan to help constituents understand changing social distancing regulations and recommendations as the state begins to reopen. Rep. Harder will also be taking questions on the recent Heroes Act, stimulus payments, and other concerns from Valley residents.