Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the House passage of my bill, the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center Access Improvement Act, which is now on its way to the President's desk. This much-needed legislation will bring a paved access road to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center in Hemet. The Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center is the only operational Indian Health Service youth treatment center in the entire State. It is the only place in California where Native youth can receive culturally relevant mental health care and substance use disorder treatment. Yet, to get to the center, patients and staff have to traverse a dirt road that often cracks in the heat and washes out in the rain and hinders deliveries and services. As a physician, I know how crucial culturally based care is to the health and well-being of our communities. That is why I advocated for the construction of Desert Sage since day one, and why I secured funding for its completion in 2016, and why now, I am working to deliver safe, reliable access to this facility. Madam Speaker, I urge President Biden to sign this into law immediately to help pave a road worthy of the dignity of the people at Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center. ____________________”