Working Joe Baca

ENDORSEMENT WATCH: Feinstein, Boxer endorse Baca

Jan 26, 2012

Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, both D-Calif., are backing Inland Rep. Joe Baca in his bid to represent California's newly drawn 35th Congressional District, the Rialto Democrat announced Wednesday.

"It is important to have the trust and confidence of these two women who have done so much for California and the nation," Baca said in a statement issued by his campaign. "Relationships and seniority mean everything in Congress."

Baca is set to square off against state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod, D-Chino for the seat. The 35th, drawn this summer as part of the state's redistricting process, includes Ontario, Chino, Pomona, parts of Fontana and Rialto — but not Baca's home, which was drawn into a less Democratic-leaning district to the east and north.

There are no prohibitions on running from outside a district, and Baca has repeatedly stressed that he has represented the majority of the 35th during his career.

Read More From: ENDORSEMENT WATCH: Feinstein, Boxer endorse Baca

Congressman Baca Sponsors Bill for Foreclosure Prevention With New Refinancing Program

Oct 11, 2011

Bill Would Create Emergency Federal Refinancing Program

(Source: Congressman Baca) Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) reintroduced legislation that creates a new entity within the federal government, responsible for financing loans to families currently in foreclosure or serious default. The Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation (FFRC) Act reinstitutes a Depression era concept to provide emergency refinance assistance to families who can no longer afford their mortgage payments, and was previously introduced by Congressman Baca in both the 110th and 111th Congresses.

“With the number of home foreclosures still far too high, families in the Inland Empire and across the nation need help,” said Rep. Baca. “I am proud to reintroduce the Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation Act, which I believe can be a part of the solution. My legislation can reverse the trend in foreclosures and keep families in homes by providing immediate assistance to those who are in serious default of a mortgage loan.”

Baca Announces New Findings from CMS: More Americans Using Free Preventive Benefits Provided by Affordable Care Act

Oct 11, 2011

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Joe Baca announced the release of new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that shows nearly 20.5 million people with Medicare reviewed their health status at a free Annual Wellness Visit or received other preventive services with no deductible or cost sharing this year, including 1.54 million Medicare recipients living in California.

"The Affordable Care Act is already improving the lives of American families, giving millions of Americans access to free preventive health services," said Rep. Baca. "In addition, the new health care reform law is making prescription drugs more affordable for millions of seniors and people with disabilities."

Some of the free preventive services available to people with Medicare include:

Mammograms and cervical cancer screenings;

Annual Wellness Visits;

Cholesterol and other cardiovascular screenings; and

Colorectal and prostate cancer screenings.

The rising numbers of people who are taking advantage of preventive benefits and prescription drug discounts comes as people with Medicare are beginning to review their plan options for next year. The annual enrollment period begins earlier this year than last year, on October 15th, and runs through December 7th. People with Medicare will have seven weeks to review Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage benefits and plan options, and choose the option that best meets their unique needs or keep the plan they have today. The earlier open enrollment period also ensures that Medicare has enough time to process plan choices so that coverage can begin without interruption on January 1st, 2012.

Democrat reintroduces bill to give families in foreclosure financial assistance

Oct 11, 2011

Families in foreclosure would be able to get financial loan assistance under a bill that was reintroduced in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

Rep. Joe Baca, San Bernardino County’s lone Democratic U.S. representative, reintroduced the Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation Act. The FFRC Act would bring back a Depression-era concept that would give emergency refinance assistance to families who can no longer afford their mortgage payments. Baca first introduced the bill in the 110th Congress and then introduced it a second time in the previous 111th Congress.

“With the number of home foreclosures still far too high, families in the Inland Empire and across the nation need help,” Baca said. “I am proud to reintroduce the Family Foreclosure Rescue Corporation Act, which I believe can be a part of the solution. My legislation can reverse the trend in foreclosures and keep families in homes by providing immediate assistance to those who are in serious default of a mortgage loan.”

2012 ELECTIONS: Sanchez sisters among female lawmakers backing Baca

Oct 04, 2011

Inland Rep. Joe Baca in recent days locked up endorsements from 14 California congresswomen for his re-election bid.

Here's the list issued by Baca's campaign for the newly drawn 35th Congressional District:

• House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi

• Rep. Karen Bass

• Rep. Lois Capps

• Rep. Anna Eshoo

• Rep. Barbara Lee

• Rep. Doris Matsui

• Rep. Grace Napolitano

• Rep. Laura Richardson

• Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard

• Rep. Linda Sánchez

• Rep. Loretta Sanchez

• Rep. Zoe Lofgren

• Rep. Maxine Waters

• Rep. Lynn Woolsey

Postal workers rally against cuts

Sep 28, 2011

Three dozen postal workers, fired up by an arm-waving Rep. Joe Baca, rallied in front of his San Bernardino office Tuesday, calling for passage of federal legislation they say would solve the U.S. Postal Service's financial woes without cutting jobs.

"This is about people being able to make a decent living, put food on the table and take care of their families," said Baca, D-Rialto.

The Postal Service faces an $8.3 billion budget deficit. Postmaster General Patrick Donahue has proposed laying off workers, shutting offices and eliminating a day of delivery. A post office in San Bernardino already has closed. A bill co-sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, known as the Postal Reform Act of 2011, would allow the Postal Service to consider those cost-saving measures and more.

Postal workers staged almost 500 rallies across the country . On E Street in San Bernardino, workers wore T-shirts that read "Save America's Postal Service."

John Beaumont, California president for the National Association of Letter Carriers, said HB 1351, co-sponsored by Baca, is better than Issa's bill. Beaumont said Congress has required the Postal Service to pre-fund, in the next 10 years, 75 years worth of future retiree health benefits. HB 1351 would allow the Postal Service to stop or cut the payments. A $5.5 billion payment is due this fall.

The service has netted a $600 million profit in four years, the postal union said. Beaumont said restructuring retirement payments would let it turn a profit.

Read More From: Postal workers rally against cuts

Postal workers rally to focus attention on proposed cutbacks

Sep 28, 2011

Postal workers and union members held rallies throughout the Inland Empire Tuesday as part of a nationwide effort to promote awareness for the agency that is facing future cutbacks.

Deemed the Day of Action to Save America's Postal Service, employees did their best to inform the public about the agency's financial situation, the negative impact of reducing mail delivery service and solutions to the recent problems.

"We're not allowed to talk to the public or press while delivering on our routes, but the public needs to know," said John Beaumont, California president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The national rallies, including those in San Bernardino, Redlands and San Dimas, referenced two main issues - plans to save money by closing more Postal Service officers and cutting back on six-day delivery.

In downtown San Bernardino, Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino, not only spoke in support of the postal workers but led the rally line in front of his office.

Read More From: Postal workers rally to focus attention on proposed cutbacks

Postal Workers Rally To Save Jobs

Sep 28, 2011

Waving signs and loudly chanting, about 60 US Postal Service workers gathered in front of Congressman Joe Baca’s San Bernardino office on Tuesday to rally support for a bill that workers say will save the financially embattled postal service.

“There’s enough money to take care of the problems,” said John Beaumont, president of the California State Association of Letter Carriers. Beaumont and Harold Kelso, the organization's vice president, organized the event. The rally was one of hundreds held across the state and country.

Postal workers were rallying in favor of HR 1351 and chose their location because Baca (D-Rialto) has co-sponsored the bill that was introduced to congress by Elijah E. Cummings (D-Maryland) and Stephen Lynch (D-Massachussets) in April. Baca joined supporters at the event.

Read More From: Postal Workers Rally To Save Jobs

Salazar urged to reverse Final Rule on Santa Ana Sucker

Sep 28, 2011

Eight congressional representatives from San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles and Orange counties have co-signed a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar asking him to withdraw the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Final Rule for the Santa Ana Sucker.

“We are concerned that the USFWS cannot scientifically justify how the expanded habitat designation will add any protection for the species,” said the Aug. 26 letter, which was co-signed by Reps. Joe Baca, David Dreier, Ken Calvert, John Campbell, Jerry Lewis, Mary Bono-Mack, Gary Miller and Dana Rohrbacher.

“The agency has not produced any research on the Santa Ana Sucker, nor has it produced a recovery plan for the species.”

The congressional representatives also warned that the Service’s Final Rule poses a serious threat to local water supplies.

Read More From: Salazar urged to reverse Final Rule on Santa Ana Sucker