Investing In Our Communities
In 2023, I was able to secure over $442 million to invest into our communities in AD27. We still have much work ahead of us, but I stand ready and look forward to seeing all that Team Soria will accomplish in this new year!
Let’s take a look at what we accomplished in 2023.
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$52 Million for Madera Community Hospital
When Madera Community Hospital closed, we immediately witnessed its impact on our most vulnerable community members. Many had no choice but to travel outside the city for treatment or not receive treatment at all. Immediately, I went to work to help the hospital get on a path back to re-open and serve the community.
After the signing of AB 112, I secured $52 million from the state for Madera Community Hospital. Reopening the hospital and ensuring the community has access to vital and critical healthcare is my top priority. We have more work to do, but I’m proud to have led this effort. I am hopeful and will continue to work hard to ensure Madera Community Hospital reopens.
$100 Million for Promise Housing Project
It is no surprise that access to affordable housing is limited in our communities. This is especially true for our students.
I am proud to have worked to secure $100 million for a student housing project that will provide low-income students the opportunity to live on campus while they continue their higher education at Merced College and UC Merced. This project will further access higher education through low-cost housing— a win for all Central Valley students.
Over $42 Million for Community Spaces, Park Improvements and Flood Recovery
Some of the other vital investments I was able to secure include:
- $20 million – For flood assistance to families in the community of Planada
- $8 million – New Community Center in the City of Mendota
- $4 million – New Fire Station and Emergency Operations Center in the City of Merced
- $3.5 million – New Public Park in the Franklin-Beachwood unincorporated community in Merced County
- $3 million – New Community Public Safety Center/Police Station in the City of Kerman
- $3 million - Street repairs and maintenance in the small agricultural community of Tranquility in Fresno County
- $1.1 million – Improvements to Lions Town and County Park in the City of Madera
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Protecting Access to Healthcare, Promoting Economic Development, & Supporting Veterans
In 2023, I was able to hit the ground running and successfully get six bills signed into law for AD 27. We produced legislative wins that aim to protect access to healthcare, advance economic development in our cities, and support our veterans.
Some of that legislation includes:
- AB 112 – Created an emergency loan program for hospitals that are closed and seek to re-open, or are at high risk of closure.
- AB 1259 – Provides the City of Merced the ability to invest in infrastructure projects to help reduce blight, improve public transportation, and increase affordable housing.
- AB 1745 – Allows a greater number of veteran dependents to qualify for the college fee waiver program and pursue a higher education degree.
New District Offices
In case you missed it, we have new offices in the district!
Our Merced office has moved to 512 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340.
The new Fresno Satellite Office (by appointment only) is located at 2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 3088 Fresno, CA 93721. To schedule an appointment, call (559) 890-2705.
We are here for you. I hope you visit us soon!
Providing Vital Resources for Community
Our office hosted multiple resource events including multiple Backpack Giveaways and Resource Fairs, Operation Gobble Turkey Giveaway, and a Holiday Toy Drive. In all we distributed 2,764 backpacks, 450 toys, and 900 turkeys at community events in Madera, Fresno, and Merced Counties. To learn more, please visit my Facebook page or watch this video highlighting the Backpack and Resource Fair in Madera:
The work does not stop here and we will not stop fighting for the Valley’s fair share of resources.
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Meeting & Event Requests
Reminder! You can request a meeting or event with me on my website.