Politics

Forum Was Critical Step in Matching Local Businesses with Federal Funding

By Mara Lee

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) hosted a first of its kind forum at the Sacramento State Alumni Center for local clean technology companies to explore federal funding opportunities with representatives from the Administration. Joined by prominent representatives from the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank, Rep. Matsui’s event highlighted Federal programs that businesses can apply for to promote the use of clean technology, bolster the clean energy industry, increase exports of American-made clean energy products, and reduce both energy consumption and costs for consumers and businesses. ‪‪

“As our regional economy continues to recover and grow, the emerging clean technology industry is helping to ensure that Sacramento is prosperous throughout the next century,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “When our local companies have the opportunity to sit down and meet with Administration officials face-to-face, they can better understand what is required of them in the loan process and that will make our region more competitive down the road.”

FEMA to Allow Homeowners to Purchase Preferred Risk Policies

By Mara Lee

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) – In cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) announced today that Natomas residents will be able to purchase Preferred Risk Flood (PRP) Insurance Policies in 2011 and 2012. Over the course of the last year Congresswoman Matsui has continually worked with the Administration to ensure that homeowners in recently remapped areas have access to affordable flood insurance. Under this new policy, homeowners across the country that live in areas that have been remapped since 2008 will be eligible to renew their flood insurance at the Preferred Risk Policy price, rather than at the Standard X Zone cost – often four times at costly - for the next two years.

“This change in FEMA’s policy is a simple, straight forward path to ensuring homeowners in the re-mapped areas, including Natomas, are offered affordable flood insurance,” said Rep. Matsui. “Beginning January 1, 2011 and for 2012, the Preferred Rate Policy will be available to Natomas homeowners, which is a significant discount compared to the standard rate plan. This announcement will help ease the financial burdens of flood insurance for families across the nation affected by re-mapping. Like families across the country, many in the Natomas area are at a financial tipping point, and this is very welcome news for my constituents.”

Local businesses to learn about federal funding opportunities

By Mara Lee

SACRAMENTO (OBSNews.com) - On Thursday, June 3rd at 10:00 AM, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05) will host a forum at the CSUS Alumni Center at 6000 J St. for local clean technology companies about funding opportunities through the Federal Government. Joined by prominent representatives from the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, and the Export-Import Bank, Rep. Matsui’s event will highlight Federal programs that businesses can apply for to promote the use of clean technology, build the clean energy industry, increase exports of American-made clean energy products, and reduce both energy consumption and costs for consumers and businesses.

Representative Matsui will also discuss legislation she recently introduced, the Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing and Export Assistance Act of 2010, which would assist small- and medium-sized clean technology businesses to find new markets at home and abroad to sell their clean-tech products.

By Brian Kaveney

WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBSNews.com) - Representative Dan Lungren (R-CA) issued the following statement after the unveiling of America Speaking Out, a program which invites the American people to join the process of building a new policy agenda for America. Through America Speaking Out, the American people will be given a voice in setting the priorities for a national agenda. At town hall meetings, online at www.AmericaSpeakingOut.com, and through new communications tools, all Americans will have an opportunity to be a part of this effort.

"Americans have been speaking out but Washington is not listening. Democrats in charge of Congress have pursued a partisan agenda, rather than addressing the concerns of the American people. Whether forcing a government takeover of health care, passing a National Energy Tax, stacking up record deficits, or ignoring our nation's jobs crisis, the actions of this Congress have been against the will of the American people. America is ready for its voice to be heard in Washington, and the nation deserves a government that acts to implement the priorities of the people.