McClintock Doesn’t Request a Dime to Fund Projects in his District
by SUSAN CHANDLER
Chair, South Lake Tahoe Democratic Party
Rep. McClintock did not request a single dime for his congressional district to help fund community projects in the 2022 fiscal year, which began in July (the application period ended on April 30th) while other members of the California Republican delegation collectively sought tens of millions of dollars for their communities. Rep Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, requested millions to expand broadband, bolster sewer systems and help law enforcement. Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, proposed funding for bridge, park, and freeway maintenance. Rep Jay Obernolte, R-Big Lake, asked for money for wastewater treatment and to widen highways. You can view the list of all Congressional appropriation requests by going to: https://appropriations.house.gov/transparency
Rep. McClintock continues to refuse to recognize the impact of human activity on climate change. It is due to his refusal and that of other like-minded politicians that his California constituents face excessive heat, wildfires and extreme drought. Rep. McClintock recently told the Union Democrat, “wildfire fighting is hot, miserable work, but it is not skilled labor.” This shows his lack of respect for the folks that saved our community.
Rep. McClintock does not support the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, which recently passed through the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources thanks to the support of 4 senators and 5 Representatives. This act will bring millions of dollars into our region to help make the Tahoe basin fire resistant, address pollution, invasive species, and improve public transportation options into the basin.
Personally I am surprised that Rep. McClintock took the time to write a letter to President Biden asking for individual assistance for fire victims. That said, isn’t that a bit like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped? If Rep. McClintock truly cared about the welfare of his constituents, wouldn’t he have proposed to get additional funding for the US Forest Service so that they would be better prepared to fight fires like the Tamarack fire and Caldor fire?
It’s past time for Rep. McClintock to go.