Photo by J.P. Crumrine
“I prefer this Hill. It’s much better than the other [Hill — in Washington, DC],” Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz said during his visit Friday.
Ruiz is optimistic that his Wildfire Prevention Act of 2015 (H.R. 1009) will be enacted during this Congress. “This cycle we’re certain to push more support because both sides of the aisle are involved,” he stated. “I’m hopeful it will get through committee and pass the House.”
Ruiz’s bill is designed to allow up to 15 percent of the Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for prevention work.
“That idea came as a result of communication with local communities during and after the Mountain and Silver fires in 2013,” he said.
In addition to his efforts to achieve the wildland fire legislation, Ruiz said he will continue to pursue efforts to help small businesses and focus on health-care access.
“The interplay between health care and the economy is critical,” he added.
“Two other big issues that we will continue to pursue are to protect access to Medicare and Social Security,” Ruiz said. “People are still struggling to make ends meet.”
