Congressman David G. Valadao Pens Letter to Governor Newsom and FEMA Urging the Establishment of Vaccination Sites

Recently,  Congressman David G. Valadao, Leader Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Jim Costa, Congressman Devin Nunes, and Congressman Josh Harder sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and Acting FEMA Administrator Robert Fenton strongly urging the establishment of multiple COVID-19 vaccination sites in California’s Central Valley.

Governor Newsom recently announced two community vaccination sites in Alameda and Los Angeles Counties, though those two counties already have far higher vaccination rates than Central Valley counties. While Governor Newsom later indicated the intent to establish a vaccination site in the Valley, low vaccination rates demonstrate the need for multiple sites throughout the region.

“I am encouraged that the state has indicated intent to establish a COVID-19 vaccination site in the Central Valley, but one is not enough to meet the needs of our communities,” said Congressman David G. Valadao. “The Valley was leading the state in cases per 100,000 residents over the summer, yet most Valley counties’ vaccination rates lag behind those of Los Angeles and Bay Area Counties. The area’s rural communities are home to thousands of farmworkers who risk COVID-19 exposure every day to feed America. The unacceptably low vaccination rate in the Central Valley indicates that we desperately need multiple vaccination sites throughout the region. I ask Governor Newsom to prioritize vaccination for the areas that need it the most.”

“Though the announcement of a new vaccination site in the Central Valley is welcome news, this is just the beginning of fixing a subpar vaccine distribution plan,” said Leader Kevin McCarthy. “The State must not forget Californians in the region as it continues to work with FEMA to identify locations and secure federal resources to enhance vaccine administration. The Central Valley is unique, and any expanded efforts must support the diverse socioeconomic and rural communities we are proud to represent.”

“I am hopeful the San Joaquin Valley will be next on the list in California to get a FEMA vaccination site,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “I’ve been working diligently with the Valley delegation, along with the White House and Governor’s office, to reiterate the extreme need in the Valley for one of these sites. As one of the hardest-hit areas in the Nation, vaccinating our Valley communities is key to overcoming this health crisis. Keeping my constituents safe is my number one priority and I will keep fighting alongside my colleagues to ensure that a vaccine will be made available to everyone that wants one.”

“As Governor Newsom attempts to reverse California’s abysmal vaccine rollout, it is imperative that the state work with FEMA to provide swift vaccine distribution to the Central Valley families and workers who risk their health to feed the nation,” said Congressman Devin Nunes.

“When disasters happen, the Central Valley is always the first to get hit and the last to recover. It’s time our community gets the resources we need,” said Congressman Josh Harder. “As some of the hardest-hit areas in the state, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties deserve a mass vaccine site close to home. Every farmer, teacher, and working mom and dad need to know they can get vaccinated without spending hours on the road away from their job and family.”