Ken Calvert, a lifelong resident of Riverside County and 17-year small business owner in the restaurant and real estate industries, represents the 42nd Congressional District of southern California.
The American farmer is an integral part of country’s fabric and remains an essential member of communities across the nation. Additionally, the world renowned California agriculture industry is one of the most significant contributors to our state’s economic engine.
Farmers across the country, including California, face serious challenges: pests and disease, a shortage of water, regulatory burdens, and low market prices and unfair trade barriers. The government must address these problems as well as work to expand market opportunities and provide emergency assistance when appropriate and needed. American farmers also need a reliable and affordable source of water, which is why I will continue to advocate on behalf of comprehensive water solutions for California and the rest of the nation. I will also continue to work with our farmers to ensure that American crops are treated fairly by countries that export crops to the United States and that any agricultural products entering the country are free from pests and diseases.
America’s agricultural industry is one of the most capable in the world and their ability to compete and thrive depends on the freedom for them to produce in a fair marketplace and without being severely hindered by conditions beyond their control. Americans need their government to ensure that they will continue to have an affordable, safe and reliable food supply.
On September 11, 2001, the lives of over three thousand innocent people were taken in senseless acts of terror. The Armed Forces of the United States of America continue to be on the forefront of this fight and they need the support necessary to both deter aggression and defeat our adversaries.
Ultimately, there are many threats across the globe beyond the terrorist threat posed by groups like al Qaeda: North Korea has nuclear weapons; Iran is rapidly developing a nuclear program; China is building its military and showed the world that it's ready to wage war in space. Innumerable challenges lay ahead in the Middle East as well as other areas around the world will require long-term attention. However, the United States must maintain an ever-ready, flexible, and well-prepared military to respond to possible conflicts in several places around the world, even during times of extreme budget stress.
America continues to offer the best quality of life and the greatest freedoms. September 11th may have changed how we look at life but it did not change how we live it and the lengths that we will go to defend it. The character of our country comes from the cornfields of Kansas, the blue skies of Montana, the busy streets of New York and the beautiful beaches of California. It is this character that created a democratic republic to stand against tyranny, established freedom for all men and women and will end the threat of terrorism in our world.
I fully recognize that the future of America is linked to the successful education of our children. While public education has traditionally been a right and responsibility of states and local communities, federal funding and control has increased over recent years. As a result there has been a growing debate on whether federal involvement in education, and the billions in federal spending that comes with it, is actually improving educational opportunity.
I support the reevaluation of the federal role in education and believe that federal policy must always balance the need for standards and accountability with the rights of students, families and teachers while preserving local control of K-12 education. And in a time of ever more tight budgets, where spending restraint is necessary to decrease the federal deficit, innovative and effective education policy must be the guiding principle.
The energy challenges facing our nation continue to pose a significant burden on American families as well as our domestic economic security. To meet our energy needs, our country must take action on multiple policy fronts.
In the short term, we must reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy by increasing domestic production of American resources. In the long term, we must make significant investments that will help our country lead the world in the development and production of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies.
The congressional district I represent encompasses a diverse environmental cross-section of California’s extraordinary landscape. The district also includes natural resources that are part of the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana River. Our region continues to work towards a balance between economic development and environmental protection. During my career in public service I have spent a great deal of time working with local stakeholders as they strive to find this balance.
In 2006, the Los Angeles Times published a story alleging Rep. Calvert had personally benefitted from a federal funding request. The story stated that the request was for a freeway interchange near property Rep. Calvert owned and later sold and alleged the sale experienced a higher profit because of the federal funds obtained for the interchange. However, the interchange was actually located 16 miles from the property and local experts have stated that the possibility of an interchange had no effect on the property value of the land, especially since the freeway interchange had yet to even be built or fully funded.
The local Press Enterprise published a follow-up story and determined that the property had been sold at fair market value and matched sale prices of similar properties in the area. It was also reported that the Riverside Transit Agency requested funding for the project as part of the State Transportation Infrastructure Plan (STIP), a multi-year transportation plan crafted by local officials. The Press Enterprise later editorialized that the claims against Rep. Calvert were unfounded. Read the editorial here.
In response to the Los Angeles Times story, Rep. Calvert also sought out the opinion of the Democratically Chaired House Ethics Committee which determined that, after reviewing the facts, Rep. Calvert had indeed acted properly. Click here to read the letter from the House Ethics Committee which is comprised equally of both Republicans and Democrats.
At no time has Rep. Calvert been under any investigation. All funding requests sponsored by Rep. Calvert originate with a local county, city, transportation agency, or other public agency, not from Rep. Calvert personally.
In another issue, Rep. Calvert was a silent one-third partner in Stadium Properties. In 2006, the partnership in good faith and in good money bought a 4.3-acre parcel of land in Jurupa from the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) and received clear title to that land. It was later determined that the JCSD had not publicly noticed the land which is required by state law. The Jurupa Area Recreation and Parks District (JARPD) expressed interest in the land and took action against the JCSD and threatened eminent domain on the property. In a Grand Jury Report (read here), the Grand Jury found that JCSD had violated the law but found no wrong-doing on the part of Stadium Properties or Rep. Calvert. Throughout the dispute, Stadium Properties repeatedly stated they wanted to work with both the JCSD and JARPD to resolve the issue. After four years, the dispute between the two agencies was settled with the statement that Stadium Properties acted properly and had no knowledge of the violation of the law. Read the story here.
With premiums rising, deductibles increasing, and health care choices decreasing, American families know all too well that Obamacare is collapsing. That’s exactly why I promised the voters in my district that I would take action and work to repeal and replace Obamacare with patient-centered health care solutions that actually reduce costs and expand choices. The simple fact is our health care system is on life support and whoever won last year’s election was going to need to resuscitate it.
The American Health Care Act is an important step towards the fulfillment of that promise. The bill empowers families and doctors with health care decisions, rather than giving Washington bureaucrats the power to impose one-size-fits-all regulations. Not everyone requires the same type of health plan, so the bill gives Americans more affordable options and the ability to find the right plan for them.
It’s important to note that the House plan will continue to protect American families by ensuring people with pre-existing conditions are not denied heath care policies and allowing the coverage of dependents until they are 26 years old. (You can read more about the pre-existing conditions provisions HERE.)
Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion prioritized able-bodied adults above those the Medicaid program was originally designed to help – the most vulnerable Americans. We will not pull the rug out from anyone as we work to give states the flexibility they need to take care of those most in need. The American Health Care Act responsibly freezes enrollment to allow natural turnover in the Medicaid program as beneficiaries see their life circumstances change. Our approach is both fiscally responsible and fair, ending the Obamacare expansion that unfairly prioritizes able-bodied working adults over the most vulnerable.
The American Health Care Act also includes $15 billion specifically for mental health and substance abuse disorders. Last Congress, I cosponsored and supported the passage of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act. This new and innovative law includes a comprehensive mental health package that is the result of years of conversations with patients fighting mental health conditions, battling substance use disorders, and families supporting their loved ones who just need a little help to get through this difficult – and often very emotional – situation. I also supported the Comprehensive Addition and Recovery Act (P.L. 114-198) which expands access to addiction treatment services as well as medications that reverse overdoses. Furthermore, it encompasses prevention programs through recovery treatments to best help those struggling with addiction.
The American Health Care Act will also help patients by repealing Obamacare taxes on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, health-insurance premiums and medical devices.
The U.S. immigration system is broken. There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the U.S. It is vital that Congress take action to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration. The status quo is unacceptable and I share many of your frustrations with this issue.
First, I am wholeheartedly against amnesty. I believe it is inherently unfair to give legal status to those whose first actions were to break our laws. Below are some of the initiatives I support to deter illegal immigration, increase interior enforcement and keep our border secure:
You may also be interested to know that in 1996 I created the E-Verify program, the only tool available for employers to voluntarily check the legal work status of newly hired employees. I have worked steadily over the years to expand E-Verify and make it mandatory. With Republicans in control of the House this Congress, it may be our best chance to finally make E-Verify mandatory for all employers in the U.S. That is why, along with Chairman of the Judiciary Committee Lamar Smith (R-TX) and others, I have carefully crafted and introduced the "Legal Workforce Act," (H.R. 2885) which would make E-Verify mandatory. On June 15, 2011, I testified in support of the bill before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement.
I understand the impact of a stagnant job market on my constituents and on hard-working Americans across the country, and am committed to working with my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to advance long-term, pro-growth policies that get our economy growing.
I support the following targeted solutions: simplify the tax code, lower the corporate tax rate, halt all job-killing regulatory proposals, reduce employer payroll taxes for newly-hired employees; make E-Verify - the only tool for employers to verify the legal status of potential employees - mandatory in all 50 states; and open global markets to American products.
As a former small business owner, I understand what it means to sign the front of a payroll check, and what that paycheck means to families. Putting Californians back to work remains a top priority.
As a former small business owner, I recognize that small business is the engine of job growth in our country and the backbone of our economy. Small businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private work-force, generate half of the nation’s gross domestic product and are the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy. The federal government’s job is not to stifle the prosperity of these businesses through an onerous tax and regulatory system but to stay out of the way so that the transactions of a free market may take place. I continue to support legislation which gives small employers options to deal with the surging cost of health care; strives to keep taxes low; advocates for the SBA; encourages federal agencies to do more business with U.S. small businesses; and continues to fight burdensome and unnecessary federal regulations which hamper small business growth and job creation.
I have always been, and will continue to be, dedicated to working toward a solution so that all who have paid into the Social Security system will benefit fairly.
As it has become increasingly obvious that Social Security will go bankrupt without action, Congress has been working to find a solution. The Social Security Board of Trustees has reported that payroll tax revenues will remain above program costs until 2017; thereafter the financial solvency of Social Security will be severely compromised. While we continue to work to protect and preserve Social Security for the 46 million beneficiaries now on the roles and those near retirement, we must also seek out innovative solutions for the millions of younger Americans who will one day rely on the program.
Social Security provides an important safety net for the senior citizens of our nation and I believe that every American who has contributed to Social Security deserves the benefits for which they have paid. Between 2010 and 2030, the number of people age 65 and older is projected to grow by 75% while the number of workers supporting the Social Security system is expected to grow by only six percent. The retirement of the baby boomers represents a huge demographic shift that will greatly impact Social Security. With the cost of living in California rising at an alarming rate and the baby-boom population reaching retirement, it is important that Congress take actions to protect current benefits and ensure long-term solvency of the Social Security program. I remain committed to working in a bipartisan manner to strengthen Social Security for current beneficiaries and future generations.
There are a variety of proposals to address the unfunded liability of the Social Security system. Some plans seek to create voluntary individual retirement accounts to replace the current system, and others would retain part of the current system while adding individual accounts. I believe that younger Americans who want to move towards higher yield investments should have that option as long as today's seniors and near seniors will not be affected by such a transition. I do not support the government investing Social Security funds in the stock market and I will never support legislation that would change current retirees’ benefits.
I also support eliminating the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision and restoring benefits to federal, state, and local government workers, that is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 235, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2009.
Ensuring the long-term solvency of the Medicare and Medicaid programs is a top priority. One way to improve Medicare’s financial outlook is to ensure that the program only pays for services for which reimbursement is due. In FY 2009, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimates that Medicare and Medicaid Fee for Service made $24 billion in improper payments. For every $1 that is spent on combating Medicare and Medicaid fraud, the programs saves $1.55. I support all efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse that exist in the Medicare system today so that Medicare and Medicaid are available to serve America’s future generations.
In addition to ensuring Medicare’s solvency, Congress must work to ensure that America’s Medicare beneficiaries have access to the broadest and best network of physicians possible. Over the last year, Congress has enacted several “Doc Fixes” to protect Medicare beneficiaries’ access to physician care and prevent draconian cuts to physician reimbursements. This simply is not right. I believe the time has come for Congress to fully address the issue of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula (SGR), upon which payments to physicians by the federal government are based. A permanent and fiscally responsible fix to this ever growing problem is essential. Full physician reimbursement for treating Medicare beneficiaries should not be subject to the whims of the Congressional calendar or the push and pull of a divided Congress.
I voted against nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare that were included in the Obama and Pelosi supported government take over of health care. Medicare Advantage plans were cut by $132 billion, these plans are chosen by half of all Medicare beneficiaries in the 44th Congressional District. I will continue to fight these deep cuts to vital Medicare services.
I stand ready to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact a true, permanent solution to the SGR that fairly compensates providers, safeguards the physician’s ability to serve their community, protects seniors’ access to care, and defends the taxpayers’ right to fiscally responsible representation in the United States Congress.
Maintaining solvent and stable Medicare and Social Security programs is paramount to my legislative goals for the upcoming 112th Congress. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and the President to ensure America continues to maintain strong and reliable Social Security and Medicare systems.
For too long government has assumed that a percentage of an individual’s income is owed to them. However, I believe that it is the government who is beholden to the people. Individuals should expect results from the hard earned money that they turn over every year to the federal government. Everyone who works hard deserves to keep the money they earn and, in turn, spend or save as they see fit. By letting the people keep more of their income, they are able to spend more on goods and services thereby contributing to a robust national economy. When taxes are raised, people are inclined to spend less and our economy suffers. That is why, since my first term in office, I have consistently worked for lower taxes and less government spending.
I share hard working Americans’ frustration with the Internal Revenue Service and our current convoluted tax code. I believe that Congress should encourage a full discussion and act on fundamental tax reform. Whether it is a flat income tax, a national sales tax or another idea, I will support a tax plan which provides fairness to the taxpayer and makes the system less complicated.
I have consistently voted for lower taxes, and will continue to do so. In recent years, Congress has cut the marriage penalty tax, increased the child tax credit, lowered tax rates for everyone, and I will continue to work to end the death tax once and for all.
The 42nd Congressional District encompasses some of the fastest growing communities in the nation. As is often the case, population growth has been closely followed by increased demands on transportation infrastructure.
The Inland Empire region, which consists of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, was recently bestowed the dubious distinction of having the highest commuting cost in the nation. Just last year, another study determined that residents of the city of Riverside had the unhealthiest commute in America.
The 91 freeway is far too congested. Over 250,000 automobiles use the 91 freeway daily to commute between Orange and Riverside Counties and the number of cars is expected to nearly double in the coming years. I have been working with the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to implement short-term and long-term solutions to improve traffic flow. In the short-term, RCTC and OCTA have built several auxiliary lanes and continue to improve specific chokepoints along the route, such as the SR-91 / SR-71 interchange.
In the long-term, we must build a new route that connects Riverside and Orange County. A recently completed study suggested one possible solution is to build a corridor connecting State Route 133 in Orange County and Interstate 15 at Cajalco Road in Riverside. I share many people’s frustration by the number of studies required before construction can begin, but they are necessary to complete before any concrete can be poured. In 2005, I helped secure $15.8 million to further complete these corridor studies. I will continue to work to secure the funding for improvements along SR-91 and for a new corridor between the counties.
Riverside County is part of a national shipping corridor that extends from the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports to the East Coast. Trains carrying goods through our communities have seriously impacted traffic in our area. Essentially, we are bearing the effects of a national rail system that does little to benefit our region directly. Redesigning intersections between roads and railroads with grade separations, which allows traffic to pass over or under the trains, helps alleviate traffic delays in the region. However, each grade separation costs an average of $27 million, depending on the complexity of each intersection. Riverside County needs more than $400 million to complete all of the grade separations in our area.
America’s veterans are the reason we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have today. Because of their sacrifice and honor, our country has prevailed over the worst of foes. That is why it is imperative that our country never forgets the price that has been paid for the quality of life that we now enjoy. A veteran is the picture of courage, strength, resolve and loyalty.
My commitment to the highest standard of treatment to our veterans and retirees will not waiver. The debt that is owed to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms is one that can never fully be repaid. Our men and women in uniform injured or wounded in the line of duty deserve not only the respect of their country, but the best medical care available.
As Congress works to rein in spending, funding for veterans and military retirees is still a top priority. I will work to ensure adequate funding for Veterans Affairs claims processing, oppose TRICARE fee and premium increases on families and retirees, and fight to ensure returning veterans have opportunities to work and continue to contribute to our communities. While Congress works through this difficult budget environment it is important to minimize the impact on programs that our servicemembers, retirees, and veterans rely on.
As a country it is our duty to respect the memory of those lost and honor those who have fought on the beaches of Normandy, the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan and the sands of Iraq. They are our neighbors and fellow citizens and their sacrifice demands our humility and deepest gratitude.
For many years California water users have experienced fairly level water rates. However, some communities have begun to see rate increases because the population growth in southern California has not been matched by similar growth in available water supplies. Local water agencies must ultimately decide what water rates are appropriate in order for them to provide water to their users.
In December of 2007, U. S. District Judge Oliver Wanger issued a final ruling that is expected to result in the reduction of water deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta by about a third, in an effort to protect the endangered delta smelt. The ruling comes at a time when 23 California counties are under a federal drought emergency declaration, and the Colorado River is experiencing historically low flow levels. If these conditions continue, Californians in many areas may be faced with mandatory water rationing in the not too distant future.
I believe that California must address its water imbalance by increasing water supplies and taking appropriate measures to reduce water demand. Significant investments are needed to improve our water infrastructure, including additional surface and groundwater storage, a comprehensive Bay Delta solution and water use efficiency. California must continue to examine water recycling, desalination, and conservation methods to efficiently manage our water supplies.
As the former Chairman of the House Water and Power Subcommittee, I have worked to maintain and enhance a reliable water supply in California and our nation. My legislation, H.R. 2828, the Water Supply, Reliability and Environmental Enhancement Act, was passed during the 108th Congress and signed into law by President Bush. This federal reauthorization of the California-Federal Bay Delta Program (CALFED) will play a critical role in developing new water yield and adequate storage.
If You Are Unable to Make Your Mortgage Payment
Don't ignore the problem
The further behind you become, the harder it will be to reinstate your loan and the more likely that you will lose your house.
Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem
Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times.
Open and respond to all mail from your lender
The first notices you receive will offer good information about foreclosure prevention options that can help you weather financial problems. Later mail may include important notice of pending legal action. Your failure to open the mail will not be an excuse in foreclosure court.
Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds free or very low cost housing counseling nationwide.
NeighborWorks, a national nonprofit organization created by Congress, has established a hotline for American homeowners having trouble paying their mortgages.
The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by foreclosure prevention counselors.
The phone number is 888-995-HOPE (4673).