Congressman Pledges to Help Local Leaders as They Outline Priorities

Washington, DC – Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today met with a delegation from Inland Action, a group comprised of local elected officials, business leaders and other prominent area residents, who visit Washington annually in support of federal funding and legislation to help Inland communities.

“I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Inland Action, a knowledgeable group of officials and concerned citizens who share my commitment to the Inland Empire,” said Rep. Baca.  “Especially during these difficult economic times, it is important we identify priorities and discuss how we can continue to work together on issues vital to our area including job creation, education, housing, public safety, transportation and water.”

Participants in the meeting included San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris, Cliff Young from Cal State University – San Bernardino, Jennifer Franco and Deborah Barmack from SANBAG, Ed Lasak from the Press Enterprise, and Pete Aguilar from Arrowhead Credit Union.  The issues discussed at the meeting included appropriations for the Inland Empire in the FY 2010 budget, the continuing need for clean and recycled water projects in the Inland area, and the Inland Empire Recovery Corporation – the proposed public-private housing partnership meant to reduce the number of foreclosed homes on the market. 

Rep. Baca explained the legislative and appropriations process particularly after recent reforms implemented in the new Congress and additional changes outlined by President Obama.  He also detailed the over $11 million he secured in funding for transportation, environmental, public safety, and education projects in the Inland Empire in the recently passed FY 2009 Omnibus spending bill.  Notable project funding requests Rep. Baca secured for the 43rd Congressional District include:

“We must continue to come together and work in a bipartisan fashion, to ensure the needs of our Inland communities are met,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “In the midst of our nation’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, we can no longer afford to be caught up in petty bickering and disagreements.  I am proud to meet with Inland Action, and will continue to work closely with them to turn our local economy around and improve the quality of life for all our families in the Inland Empire.”