Working Joe News Clips

ENDORSEMENT WATCH: Feinstein, Boxer endorse Baca

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

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.”

Read More From: Congressman Baca Sponsors Bill for Foreclosure Prevention With New Refinancing Program

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

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.

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

Democrat reintroduces bill to give families in foreclosure financial assistance

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.”

Read More From: Democrat reintroduces bill to give families in foreclosure financial assistance

2012 ELECTIONS: Sanchez sisters among female lawmakers backing Baca

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

Read More From: 2012 ELECTIONS: Sanchez sisters among female lawmakers backing Baca

Postal workers rally against cuts

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

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

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

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

More candidates choose races in post-redistricting scramble

The search for seats to run for next year continues in the aftermath of the state's recently completed drawing of new political districts following the 2010 census.

U.S. Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto) made it official this week that he's running in the new 35th Congressional District that encompasses Pomona, Montclair, Ontario, Chino and parts of Fontana and Rialto. Earlier, state Sen. Gloria Negrete McCleod (D-Chino) declared her candidacy for the seat and Assemblywoman Norma Torres (D-Pomona) also is considering a run.

Read More From: More candidates choose races in post-redistricting scramble
May 18 2012 - 7:05pm

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (CA)

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA)

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 08)

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel - U.S. Congressman (NY - 02)

Xavier Becerra - U.S. Congressman (CA - 31st)

Karen Bass - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 33rd)

Howard L. Berman - U.S. Congressman (CA - 28th)

Lois Capps - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 23rd)

Dennis Cardoza - U.S. Congressman (CA - 18th)

Jim Costa - U.S. Congressman (CA - 20th)

Anna G. Eshoo - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 14th)

Sam Farr - U.S. Congressman (CA - 17th)

Bob Filner - U.S. Congressman (CA - 51st)

John Garamendi - U.S. Congressman (CA - 10th)

Mike Honda - U.S. Congressman (CA - 15th)

Barbara Lee - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 9th)

Doris Matsui - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 5th)

Jerry McNerney - U.S. Congressman (CA - 11th)

George Miller - U.S. Congressman (CA - 7th)

Grace F. Napolitano - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 38th)

Laura Richardson - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 37th)

Lucille Roybal-Allard - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 34th)

Linda Sánchez - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 39th)

Loretta Sanchez - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 47th)

Adam Schiff - U.S. Congressman (CA - 29th)

Jackie Speier - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 12th)

Pete Stark - U.S. Congressman (CA - 13th)

Mike Thompson - U.S. Congressman (CA - 1st)

Zoe Lofgren - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 16th)

Maxine Waters - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 35th)

Henry A. Waxman - U.S. Congressman (CA - 30th)

Lynn C. Woolsey - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 6th)

Norma J. Torres - State Assemblymember (CA - 61st)

Sarah Zamora - Colton Mayor

Antonio Villaraigosa - Los Angeles Mayor

Paul Leon - Ontario Mayor

Elliot Rothman - Pomona Mayor

Pete Aguilar - Redlands Mayor

Grace Vargas - Rialto Mayor

Ed Scott - Rialto Mayor Pro Tem

Patrick Morris - San Bernardino Mayor

Frank A. Gonzales - City Council, Colton (Mayor Pro Tem)

David Toro - City Council, Colton (District 1)

Richard Alarcon - City Council, Los Angeles

Tony Cardenas - City Council, Los Angeles

Jim Bowman - City Council, Ontario

Stephen Atchley - City Council, Pomona

Paula Lantz - City Council, Pomona

Cristina Carrizosa - City Council, Pomona

Edward M. Palmer - City Council, Railto

Virginia Marquez - City Council, San Bernardino (Ward 1)

Debra Martin - Pomona City Board of Parking Place Commissioner

Denton Mosier - Chair, Pomona City Planning Commission

Robert Torres - Pomona City Planning Commissioner

Helen Mosier - City of Pomona Board of Library Trustees

Eileen Gomez - Colton City Clerk

Gil Navarro - Board Member, San Bernardino County School Board (Area "D")

Joe Ayala - Vice President, Rialto School Board

Leticia Garcia - Board Member, Fontana School Board

Art Bustamonte - Board Member, Chaffey Joint Union High School District

Randall Ceniceros - Board Member, Colton Joint Unified School District

Edgar Montes - Board Member, Rialto Unified School District

Dr. Barbara Flores - Board Vice President, San Bernardino City Unified School District

Teresa Parra - Board Member, San Bernardino City Unified School District (ret.)

Dr. Elsa Valdez - Board Member, San Bernardino City Unified School District (ret.)

Jason Rothman - Pomona Unifed School District Board of Education

Jerry Perez - Pomona Parks and Recreation Commissioner

James Ramos - State Board of Education/San Bernardino Community College District Trustee

Ed Chavez - Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District / CA State Assembly Member (ret.)

George A. Aguilar - Board of Directors, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District

Earl Tillman, Jr. - President, West Valley Water District

Donald D. Olinger - Board of Directors, West Valley Water District

Alan G. Dyer - West Valley Water District (Board Director/Past President)

Michael Camacho - Vice President, Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Angel Santiago - Director, Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Ron Wall - Former San Bernardino County Supervisor Candidate

_______________________________________________________________________________________

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

AFSCME California PEOPLE

AFSCME International Union, AFL-CIO

American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO

Blue Dog Coalition

California Democratic Party

California Nurses Association

California Democratic Council

California School Employees Association, AFL-CIO

CDF Firefighters Local 2881

CHC BOLD PAC

Communication Workers of America, Southern CA Council (CWA #9400 & CWA #9588)

Democratic Women of San Bernardino County

Fontana Democratic Club

Greater Ontario Democratic Club

Greater Rialto Democratic Club

Human Rights Campaign

ILWU Southern California District Council

Inland Valley Democratic Club

International Union, United Automobile Aerospace & Agriculture Implement Workers of America - UAW, Region 5

LIUNA - Laborers International Union of North America Local 783

LIUNA - Pacific Southwest Regional Office

Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 411

National Nurses United

National Riffle Association

Pomona Democratic Club

REALTORS Political Action Committee

Rialto Police Benefits Association

San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters Local 935

San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club

SEIU California

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 42

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 63

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 166

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 396

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 495

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 572

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 630

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 911

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 952

TEAMSTERS Public Affairs Council

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1428

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Lee Baca - Los Angeles County Sherriff

Fran J. Givens

Gary George - Member, Chaffey College Governing Board

Paul J. Gomez - President, Chaffey College Governing Board

Lynda Gonzalez - President of the Democratic Women of San Bernardino County & President of the Bloomington Women Club, Bloomington MAC

Jose F. Maldonaldo - 2010 Montclair City Council Candidate

Louis W. Moreno - Chino Police Captain (ret.)

Dr. Donald Singer - Trustee, San Bernardino Community College District

Daniel "Danny" Tapia - Board of Directors, Chino Valley Independent Fire District, (Ret.), Past President; Fire Chief, City of Montclair (Ret)

Jess Vizcaino - Trustee, San Bernardino Community College District

Russ Warner - Candidate for the Assembly 2012

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (CA)

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA)

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 08)

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel - U.S. Congressman (NY - 02)

Xavier Becerra - U.S. Congressman (CA - 31st)

Karen Bass - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 33rd)

Howard L. Berman - U.S. Congressman (CA - 28th)

Lois Capps - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 23rd)

Dennis Cardoza - U.S. Congressman (CA - 18th)

Jim Costa - U.S. Congressman (CA - 20th)

Anna G. Eshoo - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 14th)

Sam Farr - U.S. Congressman (CA - 17th)

Bob Filner - U.S. Congressman (CA - 51st)

John Garamendi - U.S. Congressman (CA - 10th)

Mike Honda - U.S. Congressman (CA - 15th)

Barbara Lee - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 9th)

Doris Matsui - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 5th)

Jerry McNerney - U.S. Congressman (CA - 11th)

George Miller - U.S. Congressman (CA - 7th)

Grace F. Napolitano - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 38th)

Laura Richardson - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 37th)

Lucille Roybal-Allard - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 34th)

Linda Sánchez - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 39th)

Loretta Sanchez - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 47th)

Adam Schiff - U.S. Congressman (CA - 29th)

Jackie Speier - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 12th)

Pete Stark - U.S. Congressman (CA - 13th)

Mike Thompson - U.S. Congressman (CA - 1st)

Zoe Lofgren - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 16th)

Maxine Waters - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 35th)

Henry A. Waxman - U.S. Congressman (CA - 30th)

Lynn C. Woolsey - U.S. Congresswoman (CA - 6th)

Norma J. Torres - State Assemblymember (CA - 61st)

Sarah Zamora - Colton Mayor

Antonio Villaraigosa - Los Angeles Mayor

Paul Leon - Ontario Mayor

Elliot Rothman - Pomona Mayor

Pete Aguilar - Redlands Mayor

Grace Vargas - Rialto Mayor

Ed Scott - Rialto Mayor Pro Tem

Patrick Morris - San Bernardino Mayor

Frank A. Gonzales - City Council, Colton (Mayor Pro Tem)

David Toro - City Council, Colton (District 1)

Richard Alarcon - City Council, Los Angeles

Tony Cardenas - City Council, Los Angeles

Jim Bowman - City Council, Ontario

Stephen Atchley - City Council, Pomona

Paula Lantz - City Council, Pomona

Cristina Carrizosa - City Council, Pomona

Edward M. Palmer - City Council, Railto

Virginia Marquez - City Council, San Bernardino (Ward 1)

Debra Martin - Pomona City Board of Parking Place Commissioner

Denton Mosier - Chair, Pomona City Planning Commission

Robert Torres - Pomona City Planning Commissioner

Helen Mosier - City of Pomona Board of Library Trustees

Eileen Gomez - Colton City Clerk

Gil Navarro - Board Member, San Bernardino County School Board (Area "D")

Joe Ayala - Vice President, Rialto School Board

Leticia Garcia - Board Member, Fontana School Board

Art Bustamonte - Board Member, Chaffey Joint Union High School District

Randall Ceniceros - Board Member, Colton Joint Unified School District

Edgar Montes - Board Member, Rialto Unified School District

Dr. Barbara Flores - Board Vice President, San Bernardino City Unified School District

Teresa Parra - Board Member, San Bernardino City Unified School District (ret.)

Dr. Elsa Valdez - Board Member, San Bernardino City Unified School District (ret.)

Jason Rothman - Pomona Unifed School District Board of Education

Jerry Perez - Pomona Parks and Recreation Commissioner

James Ramos - State Board of Education/San Bernardino Community College District Trustee

Ed Chavez - Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District / CA State Assembly Member (ret.)

George A. Aguilar - Board of Directors, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District

Earl Tillman, Jr. - President, West Valley Water District

Donald D. Olinger - Board of Directors, West Valley Water District

Alan G. Dyer - West Valley Water District (Board Director/Past President)

Michael Camacho - Vice President, Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Angel Santiago - Director, Inland Empire Utilities Agency

Ron Wall - Former San Bernardino County Supervisor Candidate

_______________________________________________________________________________________

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO

AFSCME California PEOPLE

AFSCME International Union, AFL-CIO

American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO

Blue Dog Coalition

California Democratic Party

California Nurses Association

California Democratic Council

California School Employees Association, AFL-CIO

CDF Firefighters Local 2881

CHC BOLD PAC

Communication Workers of America, Southern CA Council (CWA #9400 & CWA #9588)

Democratic Women of San Bernardino County

Fontana Democratic Club

Greater Ontario Democratic Club

Greater Rialto Democratic Club

Human Rights Campaign

ILWU Southern California District Council

Inland Valley Democratic Club

International Union, United Automobile Aerospace & Agriculture Implement Workers of America - UAW, Region 5

LIUNA - Laborers International Union of North America Local 783

LIUNA - Pacific Southwest Regional Office

Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 411

National Nurses United

National Riffle Association

Pomona Democratic Club

REALTORS Political Action Committee

Rialto Police Benefits Association

San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters Local 935

San Bernardino Democratic Luncheon Club

SEIU California

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 42

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 63

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 166

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 396

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 495

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 572

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 630

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 911

TEAMSTERS Joint Council 952

TEAMSTERS Public Affairs Council

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1428

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Lee Baca - Los Angeles County Sherriff

Fran J. Givens

Gary George - Member, Chaffey College Governing Board

Paul J. Gomez - President, Chaffey College Governing Board

Lynda Gonzalez - President of the Democratic Women of San Bernardino County & President of the Bloomington Women Club, Bloomington MAC

Jose F. Maldonaldo - 2010 Montclair City Council Candidate

Louis W. Moreno - Chino Police Captain (ret.)

Dr. Donald Singer - Trustee, San Bernardino Community College District

Daniel "Danny" Tapia - Board of Directors, Chino Valley Independent Fire District, (Ret.), Past President; Fire Chief, City of Montclair (Ret)

Jess Vizcaino - Trustee, San Bernardino Community College District

Russ Warner - Candidate for the Assembly 2012