America 250
Floor Speech
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Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Utah for yielding.
Many Californians have been shocked to learn that our State legislature and Governor just imposed what the California Tax Foundation calls ``the largest tax increase in State history.''
For a State that already has the highest taxes in the country and the highest cost of living, that is really saying something.
As part of this, the Governor and legislature in Sacramento have imposed a massive tax increase on healthcare that is going to cause California families to have to pay up to $400 more for healthcare premiums.
This is something that Californians simply cannot afford, and it is all the worse given that California voters already said that this kind of tax increase is barred. It is a double blow to democracy and affordability.
Fortunately, there is a way that we can fight back to stop it. I am writing a letter putting forth a formal request, joined by my colleagues in the California delegation, for the Department of Health and Human Services here at the Federal level to block this tax increase, which does require Federal approval.
We will be sending this request out by the end of this week, and it is my hope that California taxpayers can be spared yet another increase in our cost of living that so many Californians simply cannot afford because of the extreme policies coming out of Sacramento. Recognizing Child Action
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Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Child Action for celebrating 50 years of service to the Sacramento community.
Child Action is a nonprofit organization that has been supporting children and families since 1976. Rooted in the qualities of compassion, community, and support, Child Action has provided affordable and quality childcare to over 19,000 children throughout Sacramento County.
When childcare is affordable, educational, and accessible, it greatly benefits the whole regional economy. As chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, I know full well the impact that Child Action's subsidy program and eligibility lists provide to deserving families with the necessary financial support. These forward-looking initiatives allow parents to seek employment or educational opportunities while still being able to support their families.
In addition to the programs for families, Child Action also provides support and training to other childcare providers in the Sacramento region, raising the quality of care in the field while growing local businesses in the process.
Partnering with like-minded stakeholders is just another way that Child Action enhances the quality of life in our community. They are, indeed, a pillar of compassion and care by supporting other childcare providers and guiding children and families toward brighter futures.
I was honored to attend Child Action's Golden Gala in the city of Rancho Cordova. The evening was filled with connection, care, and support as guests raised awareness for programs that continue to provide high-quality care to those who need it most in our community.
Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize Child Action for 50 years of service to the Sacramento region. Recognizing Amy Van der Molen
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Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, I rise today to recognize an outstanding zookeeper in my district, Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Zookeeper Amy Van der Molen.
Amy has been a zookeeper at the Zoo Sanctuary since 1994. Prior to that, she worked as zookeeper at the Fairytale Town Park in Sacramento and is an educator at the Sacramento Zoo Interpretive Center. During her career, she has cared for birds, reptiles, omnivores, and carnivores.
During her tenure at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Amy has overseen the care of many animals, including 13 bears, 8 mountain lions, 2 tigers, 5 wolves, and many others.
As part of her zookeeping job, Amy participates in vet procedures for the animals in her care, creates behavioral and environmental enrichment, performs positive enforcement training, participates in keeper chats for guests to educate them about animals, and shares the Zoo Sanctuary's mission of teaching responsible behavior toward all animals.
Amy has created the Annual Art Program where animals use their feet, nose, or other body parts to paint with nontoxic washable paint on a canvas. These paintings are sold in the zoo gift shop and have even been part of art shows at a local art gallery in Folsom and have sold at various special events and fundraisers to benefit the Zoo Sanctuary.
Amy's love for her work and for the animals under her care is evident as she has been quoted as saying: ``During my career, I have loved every single animal that I have worked with, but of course there are a few that I will never forget and will always be a part of me. I have been eligible,'' she said, ``for retirement since January of 2025, but I love my job and my animal family. I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.''
Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize zookeeper Amy Van der Molen for her service to the Folsom community. Honoring Ken Cusano
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Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate former City of Folsom Fire Chief Ken Cusano on the occasion of his retirement, following 28 years of service and dedication to protecting the Folsom community.
Chief Cusano attended Folsom High School and received his bachelor's degree from Sacramento State.
Since joining the fire department in 1998, Chief Cusano climbed the ranks, starting his career as a firefighter paramedic and eventually taking the title of chief in October 2020, which he held until his retirement.
Throughout his time as chief, he led a team of over 90 professionals and was known for strengthening the department during a time of unprecedented growth in the city.
During his tenure, Chief Cusano lent his expertise in the design and construction of Fire Stations 39 and 34 and the remodel of Station 38. In addition to the new fire stations, Chief Cusano also played a key role in creating a medic unit and hiring extra personnel to keep up with the rapid growth of Folsom.
Under the chief's steady hand and leadership, the mental health of the men and women in the department became a priority. The forward- thinking approach was evident when the department introduced the region's first peer support dog and other proactive approaches to support the resilience and mental well-being of all department employees.
The chief's dedication to the quality of life in his community could also be found with new initiatives, such as helping to implement a social host ordinance to deter illegal fireworks, as well as the seasonal closure of certain open spaces which posed fire risks.
Chief Cusano has played a vital role in helping to shape Folsom's future. He faced his job and its challenges with a spirit of doing everything he could to keep the community safe. He will undoubtedly be missed by the city's grateful residents, businesses, and the men and women in his department that he called home for almost three decades.
On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and California's Third Congressional District, I am honored to join the community in recognizing Fire Chief Ken Cusano's retirement. I thank him for his 28 years of exceptional service and leadership, and wish him well in retirement. Honoring Brad Tatum
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Mr. KILEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I solemnly rise today to honor the life of Brad Tatum, who passed away earlier this year.
Brad will be known not only as the publisher of the Orangevale View, but as someone who cared deeply for small businesses, youth athletics, and his family and friends.
Known as the heart behind the Orangevale View, Brad took pride in sharing the good news that enhanced the quality of life throughout his beloved Orangevale. This free, biweekly newspaper's stories were not only insightful but brought people together with a common touch.
Brad's gift for selecting stories that reflected his sense of pride for the community could be seen through the ways that he highlighted local heroes, businesses, and the Casa Rams athletic program. His prose and choice of which stories to feature positively impacted Orangevale and the surrounding communities.
Brad will undoubtedly be missed by his children, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and the more than 37,000 readers who enjoyed learning about the latest FFA achievements, breakfasts at the Grange, and all the other happenings that make Orangevale a special place. His dedication to his community will not be forgotten. The impacts he made will live on in the lives he touched and the stories he wrote.
Therefore, on behalf of the United States House of Representatives and California's Third Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Brad Tatum for his many contributions to the Orangevale community.
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