Newsletter: May 2015

Statement

Dear Friend,

Here is a brief update on my work on behalf of Ventura County.

My number one goal has always been to provide the highest level of constituent services possible. If you need help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

I also hope that you will reach out to me to express your views about legislation and issues important to you. It is with your input that I can best advocate for our community.

It is an honor to serve you in Congress.

JULIA BROWNLEY

Member of Congress

Brownley hosts VA Secretary Robert McDonald at Veterans Clinic

I was very pleased to welcome VA Secretary Robert McDonald to the VA Oxnard Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). I invited him to see first-hand the challenges that Ventura County's veterans face in accessing care. During his visit, he toured the VA Oxnard CBOC and spoke with local stakeholders in the veterans community. Secretary McDonald reaffirmed the VA's commitment to our region's veterans by vowing to improve and expand services. While there has been progress in reducing wait times for our veterans, we still have a long way to go to ensure that all veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.

Brownley announces 2015 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Last month, I had the opportunity to recognize the winner, and honorable mentions, of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition for the 26th Congressional District. I was impressed to see the talent of so many creative high school students who participated in the competition. Congratulations to Jessica Han from Newbury Park High School on being selected as this year's winner. Her piece, which is titled "Auburn," will be displayed at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Brownley hosts Veterans Claims Expo in Camarillo

Recently, I had the pleasure to host a Veterans Claims Expo in Camarillo. The purpose of the event was to bring representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to Ventura County to assist veterans and their families with their pending claims or appeals. It is my goal to ensure that all of our veterans throughout Ventura County have access to the benefits that they have earned and rightly deserve. If you or someone you know needs assistance with the VA, please contact my office at (805) 379-1779.

Brownley convenes Latino Roundtable

I convened a meeting with leaders within the Latino community to discuss the current issues of concern throughout Ventura County. From education to healthcare to labor to immigration, we covered an array of topics that impact the Latino community in our region. I am proud of the exemplary work these individuals are doing to create a better quality of life for all who call Ventura County home.

Brownley tours Stellar Biotechnologies

This month, I was welcomed by Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. to tour their facility at the Port of Hueneme. Stellar Biotechnologies, Inc. uses giant keyhole limpets, which are found at the Port of Hueneme, to remove a respiratory protein that is used in therapeutic vaccines. It was great to see the fascinating and innovative pharmaceutical research underway at Stellar Biotechnologies. I was also pleased to have an opportunity to discuss how I am advocating for high-tech businesses in Congress, and specifically my bill, the Innovation, Research, and Manufacturing Act, which would expand and make permanent the research and development tax credit.

Brownley reintroduces "VOW to Hire Heroes Act"

I recently reintroduced my bill, the "VOW to Hire Heroes Act," which would expand and extend the work opportunity tax credit for companies that hire veterans and allow qualified tax-exempt organizations to make a credit available against payroll taxes for hiring a veteran. When our servicemembers return to the civilian workforce, we must help them find good-paying jobs and connect them to businesses. The VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act would help unemployed and service-connected disabled veterans find work and encourage businesses to hire these veterans.

Brownley and House Democrats meet with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx

I joined House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Democrats and Secretary Anthony Foxx to discuss our plan to reauthorize highway and transit programs. We agree that Congress must do its job and pass a long-term transportation bill to move America forward, invest in transportation infrastructure, and create jobs in our communities. That is why we introduced the GROW America Act, a six-year bill to repair and rebuild transportation infrastructure. I urge Speaker Boehner to let the Committee do its work and move this legislation forward.

Brownley welcomes Ventura County Director of Airports to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation

Did you know that Camarillo and Oxnard airports provide 2,500 jobs locally and contribute $300 million to the local economy annually? I was pleased to welcome Ventura County Director of Airports Todd McNamee to a House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee roundtable this month, where we discussed why it is so important that Congress continues to invest in the nearly 20,000 airports nationwide. Todd's insight was invaluable and helped emphasize the importance of strengthening aviation both in our community and throughout the United States.

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