News Articles
August 15, 2012
For the fifth consecutive year, the federal deficit is expected to exceed $1 trillion. Our national debt recently surpassed $15 trillion. If our debt was divided among the U.S. labor force, every single American worker would owe more than $100,000.
This is unsustainable â€" a national crisis, and we can't wait to fix it.
This is unsustainable â€" a national crisis, and we can't wait to fix it.
August 7, 2012
Though water shortages are common during peak summer months, the nationwide "Feds Feed Families" program is addressing another summer shortage: Food droughts at local food banks.
A handful of local donors dropped off food products at Congressman Mike Thompson's Woodland office Monday, kick-starting the third annual summer food drive to benefit local food banks.
Through the month of August, nonperishable food items are being collected in the back courtyard of the congressman's office at 712 Main St., and will locally benefit the Food Bank of Yolo County.
A handful of local donors dropped off food products at Congressman Mike Thompson's Woodland office Monday, kick-starting the third annual summer food drive to benefit local food banks.
Through the month of August, nonperishable food items are being collected in the back courtyard of the congressman's office at 712 Main St., and will locally benefit the Food Bank of Yolo County.
August 7, 2012
Although it has taken far too long, it appears that the U.S. government is finally beginning to get serious about its treatment of military veterans.
On Monday, President Barack Obama signed the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejune Families Act of 2012. The bill is a bipartisan effort designed to help provide improved health care, housing, education and memorial services for veterans and their families.
It is about time. For decades, really, it has been is a national scandal how poorly combat veterans have been treated by the country that has sent them to war.
On Monday, President Barack Obama signed the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejune Families Act of 2012. The bill is a bipartisan effort designed to help provide improved health care, housing, education and memorial services for veterans and their families.
It is about time. For decades, really, it has been is a national scandal how poorly combat veterans have been treated by the country that has sent them to war.
August 3, 2012
Downtown Vallejo got a shot in the arm Thursday with news the city has received a $1.15 million federal grant to pay for new sidewalks, landscaping, crosswalks and street pavement.
The money will pay for the third phase of the Downtown Streetscape Project designed to revitalize the area and also improve access to the Vallejo Baylink Ferry terminal.
"This is great news that we've been awarded more money. With this money we'll work on finishing up the design" for downtown improvements, City Engineer Jill Mercurio said.
The money will pay for the third phase of the Downtown Streetscape Project designed to revitalize the area and also improve access to the Vallejo Baylink Ferry terminal.
"This is great news that we've been awarded more money. With this money we'll work on finishing up the design" for downtown improvements, City Engineer Jill Mercurio said.
July 30, 2012
I am pleased that Sen. Barbara Boxer has introduced a companion Senate bill to designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area following Rep. Mike Thompson's introduction of a House bill. This designation will be important to Lake Berryessa.
Until now, those who enjoy Lake Berryessa have primarily come for the boating. With new facilities and campgrounds (once we finally get them) and with plans for various trails at the lake and on adjacent public land, there is an opportunity to diversify the recreational activities and the market for the lake.
Until now, those who enjoy Lake Berryessa have primarily come for the boating. With new facilities and campgrounds (once we finally get them) and with plans for various trails at the lake and on adjacent public land, there is an opportunity to diversify the recreational activities and the market for the lake.
July 30, 2012
The Hopland Fire Department added a new fire engine to its fleet this week thanks in large part to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Rep. Mike Thompson (D - St. Helena), who wrote a letter in support of the HFD receiving the money, came to Hopland Friday afternoon to congratulate the department on its purchase.
"We didn't have a reliable engine," HFD Chief John Bartlett said, describing the new Wildland Type 2 fire engine as "much-needed" equipment that will hold more firefighters and has a larger pump.
Rep. Mike Thompson (D - St. Helena), who wrote a letter in support of the HFD receiving the money, came to Hopland Friday afternoon to congratulate the department on its purchase.
"We didn't have a reliable engine," HFD Chief John Bartlett said, describing the new Wildland Type 2 fire engine as "much-needed" equipment that will hold more firefighters and has a larger pump.
Lake County News - WATER: Groups, California Members Of Congress React To ‘Peripheral Tunnel' Plan
July 26, 2012
The unveiling of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan resulted in several groups and California members of Congress expressing their opposition to the plan.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jerry Brown and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that they intend to move forward with construction of a massive tunnel system underneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, ultimately shipping water south and economically and environmentally devastating the region.
On Wednesday, Gov. Jerry Brown and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that they intend to move forward with construction of a massive tunnel system underneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, ultimately shipping water south and economically and environmentally devastating the region.
July 26, 2012
The Department of Defense will buy only American-made American flags from now on, at the urging of Rep. Mike Thompson, D- St. Helena, his office announced.
This week, Thompson "secured a bipartisan agreement to require that every American flag purchased by the DOD to be 100 percent manufactured in the United States," according to the announcement. These flags should be made "from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100 percent of grown, produced or manufactured in the United States," it notes.
Currently the DOD is not required to buy American-made flags.
This week, Thompson "secured a bipartisan agreement to require that every American flag purchased by the DOD to be 100 percent manufactured in the United States," according to the announcement. These flags should be made "from articles, materials, or supplies that are 100 percent of grown, produced or manufactured in the United States," it notes.
Currently the DOD is not required to buy American-made flags.
July 26, 2012
"In this case, Northern Californians are the losers," Jackie Speier said.
Gov. Jerry Brown and federal officials announced Wednesday plans for a future water delivery system that includes the construction of a $14 billion pair of tunnels that would divert water from the Sacramento River.
Gov. Jerry Brown and federal officials announced Wednesday plans for a future water delivery system that includes the construction of a $14 billion pair of tunnels that would divert water from the Sacramento River.
Gov. Jerry Brown and federal officials announced Wednesday plans for a future water delivery system that includes the construction of a $14 billion pair of tunnels that would divert water from the Sacramento River.
Gov. Jerry Brown and federal officials announced Wednesday plans for a future water delivery system that includes the construction of a $14 billion pair of tunnels that would divert water from the Sacramento River.
July 25, 2012
For his work to protect the America's public lands, including the Berryessa Snow Mountain area in his district, Congressman Mike Thompson was honored by The Wilderness Society and other organizations as one of America's Great Outdoors Congressional Champions.
Rep. Thompson introduced the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (H.R. 5545) that would protect more than 300,000 acres of oak savannah, pine and fir forests, and rivers in California. This area is a haven for plants and animals and is a popular recreation destination for hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.
Rep. Thompson introduced the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (H.R. 5545) that would protect more than 300,000 acres of oak savannah, pine and fir forests, and rivers in California. This area is a haven for plants and animals and is a popular recreation destination for hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.