“For 67 years, Winters has been observing Youth Day to teach high school students about the importance of local government and civic engagement. Now more than ever it is important for young people to get involved in their community,” Congressman Garamendi said. “For the first time in history, debt from student loans has surpassed credit card debt. Over one million students are at risk of losing their Pell Grants over the course of the next ten years. Additionally, the Ryan budget that passed the House would cut 280,000 school lunches for low income students and repeal the health care reform provisions that allowed young adults to stay on their parent’s health care plans until 27.”

"First, I would like to speak to the importance of extending the Federal Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC). Since its adoption in 1992, this financial incentive has provided stability in the energy market. Over the past five years, the PTC has helped the wind energy sector grow at an average of 35 percent a year. Today there are 75,000 jobs supported by the wind industry across all 50 states, including manufacturing jobs at over 470 facilities. About 4,000 to 5,000 of those jobs are in my home state of California. Most recently in my district, I toured a wind farm site that said they would continue expanding only if the PTC was extended," said Congressman Garamendi.

"This is a good day," said Congressman John Garamendi. "At a time when we need jobs, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing, this Dixon plant delivers all three. Because of this facility, more than a hundred families in our region will have the economic opportunity that comes with a good reliable job."

"This project is a win-win-win for Solano County and Northern California," said Congressman John Garamendi. "Drivers will experience reduced traffic congestion and commute times, helping them get to their work and homes faster and safer. The I-80 Cordelia Truck Scales Relocation Project will also help expedite goods movement for Northern California, by enabling commodities and goods to move with more efficiency from the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada's to the Bay Area and beyond.  All the while, strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses and most importantly, creating badly needed construction jobs for the region."

In 2011, the Office of Congressman Garamendi spent 77.8% of its available budget, making the office more frugal than 395 of 436 offices in the House. This demonstrated fiscal restraint comes despite the need for three district offices to serve the sprawling 10th Congressional District and higher than national average costs in Northern California.

Aspects of Garamendi's bill have won praise from the California Farm Bureau Federation, which is working with the newly formed Agricultural Floodplain Management Alliance to advocate farming as the best lowest-risk use of floodplains, said Elisa Noble, the Farm Bureau's director of livestock, public lands and natural resources.

"I want to see less money spent on Congress and more resources paying down our deficit and investing in our schools, roads, health coverage, and veteran’s services," Congressman Garamendi said. "I’ve balanced the checkbook for the family ranch. I know how to make more with less. I’m proud that we managed to stay so under budget while still maintaining robust communications with and support for 10th Congressional District residents."

"Budgets are a reflection of lawmakers’ values and priorities. This budget does not reflect the values of most Americans. We need to create jobs and preserve vital health services, not take them away. We need to responsibly reduce the deficit, yet this budget manages to increase the deficit while harming the most vulnerable in our society. This radical assault on the health and livelihood of middle class and lower income Americans and seniors cannot stand," Congressman Garamendi said.

"Don't radically alter mail delivery expectations in a year that could very well set vote-by-mail records in California. Don't close down these centers in the lead up to a presidential election, giving voters, elections officials, and postal workers insufficient time to work out the kinks," Garamendi said at the hearing. "Don't disenfranchise tens of thousands of Californians who just want their voices heard. Give us six more months to get through this election, and after six months, once the chaos of the election settles down, we'll have enough time to make the best of a bad situation. Democracy is too important to penny pinch."

"Air Mobility - the ability to rapidly transport assets around the world - plays a crucial role in America's 21st century national defense," said Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, California). "I have seen this vital mission firsthand at Travis Air Force Base, the 'Gateway to the Pacific,' which is home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the largest air mobility organization in the Air Force. It is with great pleasure that I join with Congressman Mike Pompeo in launching the Congressional Mobility Air Forces Caucus. We are both grateful to General Raymond Johns for offering his guidance in this venture. I look forward to seeing this Caucus take flight!"

"This legislation turns upside down 150 years of California water law and court decisions, creating an unprecedented theft of 800,000 acre feet of the Delta water by South-of-the-Delta water contractors," Garamendi said.

"In my view, there is a readily available solution to afford ongoing clean energy tax credits. We can generate $5 billion a year by ending our wasteful subsidies of the oil industry. That subsidy should be moved to renewable energy," said Congressman Garamendi.

"I love meeting with voters in this region. It’s always important for a Member of Congress to stay engaged and to take a pulse on the priorities and concerns of the people we hope to represent," Congressman Garamendi said. "I had a number of good conversations, but I was not at all surprised by the issues that most frequently came up. Woodland residents care about job creation, good schools, helping seniors and veterans, and making sure that our neighbors can achieve their slice of the American Dream."

"I genuinely appreciate the work Rep. Garamendi has put into the Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2012," said Charley Mathews Jr., a Rice Farmer in Marysville, CA. "In particular, this legislation addresses many concerns expressed by the California rice industry.  As a rice farmer, I am particularly concerned about existing farm structures such as those used for grain storage which have become incredibly expensive to insure.  I applaud the work of Representative Garamendi and look forward to collaboratively working to advance this legislation."

In this biographical spot, Congressman Garamendi reminds 3rd District voters about his lifelong leadership. As President Clinton's Deputy Communications Director, Garamendi fought to protect Delta and river communities. As California's Insurance Commissioner, he lowered premiums. As a University of California Regent, he always voted against undergraduate tuition hikes.

"Our brave American servicemembers who are engaged in combat in Afghanistan have selflessly risked everything – many serving four or five tours of duty. It’s time we let them return to their families," Congressman Garamendi said. "We have fought in Afghanistan’s internal civil war on behalf of the corrupt Karzai government for long enough. There is no combat solution to this conflict. I am encouraged by Secretary Panetta’s indication that combat operations will end in 2013, and I urge the administration to make it happen."

"In a combat zone, it doesn't matter what American uniform you wear; every branch of service includes heroes willing to risk everything for our freedom," Congressman Garamendi said."Unfortunately, because of a loophole in existing law, when National Guard and Reserve members return from the front lines, too often they come home to see their job taken away from them."

"I want to thank all the service providers that took time out of their busy schedules today to help all the seniors in this room," Garamendi said. "In this community, we do all we can to make sure our seniors live out their golden years with their heads held high. I’m glad I could do my part today."

"The defense strategic review wisely notes the importance of force mobility, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and cybersecurity in our evolving 21st century global environment," Congressman Garamendi said. "This is good news for residents of Solano, Yuba, and Butte counties as the functions of Travis and Beale Air Force Bases align with the new strategic priorities. The Pentagon's vision also continues a valuable role for the University of California and the national labs in Livermore."

"Every American deserves their day in court, and this legislation changes existing law to protect our due process rights," Congressman Garamendi said. "We cannot allow our basic rights to be lost, and there is no legitimate national security reason to deny any citizen in America a trial. We can both keep America safe and maintain our liberties."

"For the first time in nearly a decade, the NDAA does not keep tens of thousands of troops fighting a war of choice in Iraq, and that is a reason to celebrate," Congressman Garamendi said. "The most pro-troops patriotic thing Congress can do is to get our military personnel out of harm's way. After all, they aren't just heroes; they're also sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives."

"The missions at Travis and Beale Air Force Base are essential for maintaining a smart 21st century military that is highly mobile and equipped with the very best intelligence," Garamendi added. "The men and women at Travis and Beale are top flight. I am committed to the future success of these missions, which bolster our regional economy and are critical to our country’s national security."

"Even in the leanest of years, we spend billions of dollars in transportation and other infrastructure projects. When we use these limited resources to purchase equipment made in America, we keep that money circulating in our economy and put hardworking Americans back to work. It just makes sense," Congressman Garamendi said.

As California's Insurance Commissioner Garamendi defended a state law opposed by insurance companies all the way to the Supreme Court. The Holocaust Victims Insurance Relief Act of 1999 (HVIRA) required insurance companies doing business in California to disclose a list of all policies issued by the companies themselves or any other "related" policy.  Although the Supreme Court sided with insurance companies, Garamendi continues to fight for survivors in Congress working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

"Public policy is about choices -- and this is an easy one to make. Instead of lavishing billions more on billion-dollar oil companies, 'the Supercommittee' should focus on creating jobs and strengthening the middle class," Congressman Garamendi said.

"President Obama has put America’s national security and the wellbeing of our brave men and women in uniform first by committing to bring our troops home from Iraq by the end of the year. I want to congratulate President Obama for definitively ending this misguided war. Airmen at Travis Air Force Base will play a critical role in bringing our service members home, and I look forward to thanking many of them in person soon," Congressman Garamendi said.

"This $1.5 million grant offers our region an opportunity to improve transit access with seniors and disabled residents while improving air quality and creating good jobs," said Congressman John Garamendi. "I applaud the city of Fairfield’s efforts to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Air Resource Board qualifications. I know that this is just one of many steps the city has taken toward creating a more livable community."

"The Senate put partisanship aside – at least for one vote – to pass commonsense legislation that helps American manufacturers and producers compete," said Congressman Garamendi. "Countries that hope to create jobs don't turn a blind eye when their greatest job creators are denied fair competition on the international market. We need this bill to Make It In America again."

"When we purchase buses, trains, and other transportation equipment with taxpayer money, those investments can be used to help create jobs for our fellow Americans," said Congressman Garamendi. "My Make It In America transportation legislation, H.R. 613, would require more American content in transportation purchases using federal money. Until my legislation becomes law, A.B. 1097 is a great model I hope other states embrace. Public transit agencies should have enough flexibility to give preference to American manufacturers and employers. It just makes sense."

"As our men and women return from Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, PTSD is a growing problem. You see it in your communities and among your parishioners," Congressman Garamendi said. "We cannot turn our backs on our wounded warriors. We're here today to make sure that men and women who risked everything have everything they need to rebuild their lives. With your help, veterans in our community will not be left behind."

WALNUT CREEK – Congressman John Garamendi yesterday won re-election to Northern California’s 10th Congressional District. Garamendi won by a large 19-point margin. Congressman Garamendi released the following statement:

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi today comfortably won Northern California’s 10th Congressional District special election. With 29 percent reporting, Garamendi currently holds an 18-point lead.

WALNUT CREEK – A new CBS 5/Survey USA poll shows Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi holds a double digit lead in the 10th Congressional district special election, including among voters who have already voted.

Given his overall lead and lead among those who have already voted, Garamendi is the “likely congressional winner” CBS 5 reports. His lead is strong despite his conservative Republican opponent’s last minute flurry of spending on distortions and attacks.

WALNUT CREEK – The John Garamendi for Congress campaign today released its latest podcast, entitled “Job Creation.” The podcast highlights the benefits of President Barack Obama’s federal stimulus package, which brings needed investment, jobs and infrastructure improvements to the 10th Congressional District. The podcast also emphasizes the danger of a conservative Republican economic philosophy that retraces the reckless policies of Herbert Hoover during the early years of the Great Depression.

WALNUT CREEK – The Garamendi for Congress campaign began airing its first television ad of the special general election. The ad, titled “Leader,” highlights Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi's long record of public service as a state legislator, President Clinton's Deputy Secretary of the Interior, California's Insurance Commissioner, and Lieutenant Governor. John Garamendi is the only candidate for Congress who has ever represented the people of the 10th Congressional District.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi today is proud to announce that he has received the endorsement of the Bay Area Reporter, Northern California’s largest LGBT publication.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, the Democratic nominee for California’s 10th Congressional District, last night received the support of President Barack Obama for the November 3rd special election to fill the Northern California seat of Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher.

The announcement by President Obama comes on the heels of Garamendi’s endorsement by former President Bill Clinton last week.

Left to Right: Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblymember Joan Buchanan

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi’s congressional campaign will finish strong with four days of a Get Out the Vote Drive now through September 1st.
 

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a University of California regent and California State University trustee, today continued explaining his positions on the issues that matter to the people of the 10th Congressional District by releasing a podcast highlighting his perspectives on scientific research and the region’s labs.

SACRAMENTO – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi tonight issued the following statement following the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy:

“Patti and I mourn the death of our beloved friend and mentor. Our prayers go out to his wife Vickie, his children, First Lady Maria Shriver, the Governor and the entire Kennedy family.  The nation and the world have lost a leader with unparalleled passion for social justice and equality. His legacy will live on in the many lives and hearts he touched, and they will carry the flame of justice and service forward.”

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a University of California regent and California State University trustee, today continued his issues-based campaign by releasing a podcast highlighting his perspectives on education. Earlier today, Garamendi attended an East Bay educators rally sponsored by the California Teachers Association and California School Employees Association highlighting the education community’s support for Garamendi’s candidacy in the California’s 10th Congressional District.

WALNUT CREEK– Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi’s issues-based campaign continued today with the release of a new podcast on veterans issues.

WALNUT CREEK – California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, the only Congressional candidate who has represented all corners of the 10th Congressional District, announced today that he leads in all finance categories, including cash raised overall, cash raised this period, cash-on-hand, and cash-on-hand after debts.

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a Democratic candidate in the 10th Congressional District, today is proud to announce that he has received endorsements from the San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Bay Guardian.

WALNUT CREEK – A newly released Survey USA poll commissioned by KPIX CBS 5 finds Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi holds a double digit lead over other Democrats in the 10th Congressional District special primary election.

In a survey of voters “likely to vote” in the 10th Congressional District Special Election conducted by Tulchin Research for the Garamendi for Congress campaign, Democrat John Garamendi is poised to win.
 
With fewer than 24 days left in the campaign, Lieutenant Governor Garamendi currently maintains a double digit lead over his Democratic competitors, among Democratic and “decline to state” voters across all demographic groups. These are the voters who will ultimately determine the Democratic nominee in this safe Democratic seat.
 

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, a candidate in the 10th Congressional District, today released a map of stimulus projects in the 10th Congressional District.

“A number of constituents have approached me and asked, ‘Where’s the stimulus money in the 10th Congressional District?’ Today my campaign has provided a helpful interactive Google Map,” said Garamendi. “There are many important projects in this list, projects that will put our residents back to work and improve communities throughout the district.”

WALNUT CREEK – Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, chair of the California Commission for Economic Development, is honored to announce that he has received the sole endorsement of the California Labor Federation. In addition, Garamendi is proud to have the sole endorsement of the Sacramento Central Labor Council and Napa-Solano Central Labor Council. Previously, Garamendi was endorsed by the Alameda Central Labor Council.

The CSUEU Legislative Committee and Board of Directors has endorsed Lt. Gov. John Garamendi for California’s 10th Congressional District seat.

WALNUT CREEK – John Garamendi, California’s current Lieutenant Governor and first elected State Insurance Commissioner, is proud to announce today that he has received the endorsement of the Alameda County Central Labor Council.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2009

CONTACT:
SEIU: Christopher Calhoun: 323-319-6559
Garamendi for Congress: Josh Franco: 916-863-6881

700,000 SEIU Workers Endorse John Garamendi for Congress

A champion for universal health care, higher education, and economic opportunity, Garamendi will stand up for working families in Washington, DC

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2009
 
Garamendi Announces Major Labor Support
 
Sacramento—Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi enjoys strong support from key labor unions in the event he becomes a candidate for California’s 10th Congressional district.  That seat is presently held by Rep. Ellen Tauscher, who has been nominated to Undersecretary of State for Arms Control Policy; if and when she resigns, Garamendi expects to become a candidate in the special election.