Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the healthcare crisis that we have in America today--primarily, the physician shortage that exists throughout the entire United States. It is a crisis that we must do something about. In the next 15 years, the United States is expected to face a shortfall of over 4,000 primary care physicians alone. Rural and low- income communities, many of which I represent, are expected to feel the brunt of this shortage, communities such as those in California, like the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley has the lowest number of physicians in the State, approximately 0.9 physicians per 1,000 people. That is less than one. The statewide average is 2.2 physicians for every 1,000 people, which is twice as many. Last week, I introduced legislation to help tackle this crisis. The Expanding Medical Education Act of 2020 will provide over $200 million in funding to promote medical training in areas of high need throughout the country, like the San Joaquin Valley, with a focus on diverse and medically deprived communities. We have Governor Gavin Newsom's and our local legislators' support on this legislation. Medical institutions, such as the University of California, San Francisco, have used funding from this effort to train and develop homegrown physicians under the residency program for 45 years in the valley and throughout the State. It is very important.…”