On Friday November 12^th, 2021 I along with several Labor Leaders met with Congressman Jim Costa and discussed the recent Infrastructure Bill signed into law by President Biden. As I am sure you are aware Labor has been lobbying for a Federal Infrastructure Bill for many years and while we were promised a fair bill by the Trump Administration it never came to fruition. But thanks to a lot of hard work by the current Congress and Senate with strong encouragement by President Biden a strong Bipartisan Infrastructure bill is in place that will bring a large amount of money to the Valley for new construction and remodel Construction of our Schools, Roads, Bridges, Waste Water and Potable water Facilities, High Speed Rail and other infrastructure projects. This bill will create many hours for DC16 members so please get trained up and be ready to work.

We also discussed the PRO ACT while the PRO ACT has passed Congress it has faced a real opposition in the Senate. The PRO ACT would be the strongest Labor Bill ever put into law and President Biden has promised to sign it but nothing can be done until the Senate moves it forward. The bill would without a doubt Increase Union Membership strengthen our Pensions and create a stronger position at the negotiating table. Please take the time to contact your Federal Senator and strongly encourage them to pass the PRO ACT. THEY NEED TO HEAR YOUR VOICE!!!!!

On November 17^th, 2021 Myself, Director of Training Alex Beltran and Director of Communications and Political Action Mike Greenlee attended the Valley Build Pre-Apprentice Banquet along with many Local and State dignitaries. Our Local Building Trades in conjunction with workforce connection make up Valley Build and the training is conducted by the Building Trades Apprentice Programs. The program offers opportunities to people coming from challenging life situations and it has been deemed the most successful Pre-Apprentice Program in the State. The model not only has been followed by other counties in the State but has garnered National Attention. And what’s even more important about the model it has been one of the primary negotiation terms in the recent Project Labor Agreements that we have secured in our jurisdiction. The city and County of Fresno presented a proclamation of Apprentice Day to the Building trades.

 Also, on November 17^th, 2021 I was honored to attend the Madera City Council meeting as Vice President of the Building Trades along with Mike Lopez Business Representative of the Sheet Metal Workers and current President of the Building Trades to accept a Proclamation of Apprentice Day from Mayor Santos Garcia of Madera. The city of Madera is interested in moving forward with a Citywide Project Labor Agreement in the future and The Building Trades is looking forward to begin that process. A special thanks to the City of Madera and Mayor Santos for recognizing the importance of a skilled trained workforce through joint apprenticeship.

Holidays, November 24^th Thanksgiving and 25^th are holidays for the Painter, Glazier and Floor cover. Drywall finisher Nov 24^th is a holiday and November 25^th is a Designated Day Off. This covers the Jurisdiction of Local 294.

From the Staff of Local 294, We wish you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!! GO BULLDOGS BEAT DOWN THE SAN JOSE SPARTINS!!!!!!