CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
GREENFIELD — Last Tuesday Congressman Jimmy Panetta visited the Greenfield Rotary Club for lunch at La Plaza Bakery.
Panetta serves California’s 20th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected in 2017, he was sworn in as member of the 115th Congress on Jan. 3, 2017. He is the local voice in Washington, D.C., representing Monterey and San Benito counties as well as parts of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Over a lunch of chicken fajitas, the Congressman gave Rotary members and other community members an update on legislation and other issues currently being discussed in national government. Present at the event were representatives of the local school board and city council.
Panetta gave an update on immigration and the issues surrounding the DACA program that was recently rescinded. Congress must produce a solution to the issue of DACA in the next six months. South County communities have a lot invested in the outcome of any immigration reform because of their high Hispanic population and agriculture workforce. Panetta voiced support for a positive outcome for both DACA individuals and comprehensive immigration reform.
Panetta also gave an update on health care and the current situation with the Affordable Care Act and the attempts at repealing and replacing the program. He indicated the best way to improve the current health care system is to repair and strengthen the program instead of replacing it.
At the end of the presentation, Panetta made it clear to the audience of around 44 community members that his main job was to serve their communities, the people he represents. He reminded the audience that if any community member needs any assistance, he or she can call his office.
Panetta serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Armed Services Committee and is a member of various House caucuses.
