E-Newsletter 5/29/12
Statement
Dear Friend,
This week was a celebration of all that it means to be an American. I had the chance to spend this week meeting and talking with veterans and members of the military and am looking forward to taking part in several Memorial Day events in the Valley throughout the weekend. It was also National Small Business Week, and I was able to visit with several of our small business owners, who are important to the economic well-being of the Valley. We need to be doing everything we can to lower taxes, cut red tape and make it easier for small businessmen and women to grow and create jobs. Finally, I sat down with representatives from California refining businesses and community business leaders at an energy roundtable discussion to learn more about the roles these businesses play within their communities, our region and our nation's economy.
As the regional captain of the House Energy Action Team, I hosted an event this week to promote sound energy policies that will address rising energy prices, create jobs and enhance our national security by promoting greater energy security for America. I toured the Valero Benicia Refinery in Benicia, CA, to better understand how the fuels and other petroleum-derived products that millions of Americans rely on every day are manufactured. Prior to touring the refinery, I heard from refining businesses and community business leaders at an energy roundtable discussion on ways we can increase domestic production and the impact high gas prices have on America's economic recovery.
This week marks the 49th annual National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. On Monday I stopped by Burkett's Pool Plastering in Ripon to talk to small business owner Rob Burkett about job creation during a tour of his plant. It is always important to me to hear how federal regulations are affecting small businesses and their ability to hire workers and put our economy back on track.
I also toured Westland Technologies in Modesto, which is part of the Submarine Industrial Base. They manufacture compounds that are used in the Virginia, Seawolf and Ohio Class Submarines. Many people do not realize that the parts and equipment used daily to defend our nation are manufactured in our own backyard.
With all the technological development and evolving cyber threats, I thought it was important to visit with cyberspace experts at the Google Mountain View Headquarters. I received a tour from a member of Google's NetVets program, which aims to help those who serve our country find work when they return home. It's great to see a company as successful as Google leading such great initiatives right here in the Valley, and helping our veterans find jobs is a top priority of mine as well.
Tonight, I'll also have the great privilege of speaking to a special group of individuals at Stanislaus Military Academy's graduation ceremony in Turlock. I am extremely grateful to be able to honor SMA's graduating class of 2012 who have shown the self-determination, pride and commitment to excel. I wish all graduating seniors throughout the Valley the best of luck in their future endeavors.
This weekend I'm honored to be participating in a Gold Star Memorial Processional in Manteca to remember the lives lost in service to our country. Taking part in the procession and memorial is the least I can do as a token of my sincere gratitude and appreciation for not only fallen members of the military, but also their families who shared in the sacrifice for the sake of our country. I hope you will take time with me this Memorial Day to give thanks to our veterans and remember the fallen service men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
Please continue to stay in touch and continue to spread the word about our weekly newsletter. Feel free to write to me on my website, facebook, and twitter, and be sure to visit them for the latest information from the Valley and Washington.
Sincerely,
JEFF DENHAM
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