In the News
This week, President Joe Biden signed into law two bills authored by Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) to address the military's use of toxic burn pits as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. Ruiz's bills will expand the Burn Pits Registry and enhance medical training on the health effects of burn pits.
Local Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz introduced legislation on Tuesday that would restrict airspace around large concerts and music festivals, such as Coachella and Stagecoach.
H.R. 5827, the Protecting Outdoor Concerts Act, would keep workers, concertgoers, and Valley residents safe at major concert events, Ruiz's office announced.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz highlighted how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help local, state, and tribal communities, including California's 36th District. Specifically in regards to climate change, job creation, environmental justice, and local economies.
President Joe Biden signed a $1 trillion infrastructure deal into law in November. It is set to deliver money for roads, bridges, safe water, internet access, clean energy, and public transit.
U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited the California desert on Saturday to promote industrial solar farms and other major renewable projects on public lands in the West.
"The demand for renewable energy has never been greater," she said at a sun-splashed outdoor press briefing at the Bureau of Land Management's Palm Springs office. "The technological advances, increased interest, cost-effectiveness and tremendous economic potential make these projects a promising path for diversifying our energy portfolio."
Lisa Middleton was sworn in Thursday as Palm Springs' mayor, becoming the first openly transgender mayor in the state and only the third nationwide.
Middleton, who represents District 5 and served as mayor pro tem for the past year, replaced Christy Holstege.
Under a rotational system adopted by the council in 2018, the current mayor pro tem automatically is sworn as mayor at the first council meeting in December, while the councilmember for the next sequential district is appointed mayor pro tem. District 1 Councilmember Grace Garner was sworn in as mayor pro tem.
Hospital and physician groups on Thursday announced their plan to sue the federal government over its plan for addressing disputes about surprise medical bills, which tilts toward using prevailing rates paid for services.
Professionals who help with some of the most needed services in the valley were highlighted today.
We spoke with Comfort Air on being voted Best Air Conditioner Repair, and highlighted other winners including Walter Clark, Dr. Timothy Jochen, Sergio's Automotive Repair and also Valley Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz.
While a pathway to citizenship was nixed in the most recent version of the Build Back Better Act, a flagship legislation part of President Joe Biden's agenda, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and immigration advocates still welcome the protections from deportation expected to impact about 6.5 million undocumented immigrants.
The White House on Monday promoted what the Biden administration sees as the benefits for Latino families of the $1.7 trillion safety net and climate change package Democrats passed last week.