KELSEYVILLE>>> Attracting a sea of attendees Congressman Mike Thompson hosted his 34th annual ravioli dinner this Sunday at the Boatique Winery in Kelseyville. Every year Thompson and his team organize campaign fundraising events across his district giving the Congressman a chance to keep in touch with his constituents, even in rural areas like Lake County.
Thompson began his speech expressing gratitude for everyone involved, beginning with Flute Forward for providing their musical entertainment. Next, he thanks Pasta King from Sonoma who catered the event providing an array of ravioli, pasta, polenta and salad. He also thanked Sophies Day Spa for providing a pear caramel sorbet for dessert, and of course his entire staff and volunteers for all of their ongoing efforts. Maryjane Bowker, Thompson’s Campaign Events Manager, shared a few things as she has organized for the Ravioli dinner for many years. She stated, “People love it, we love this venue, and it is a fundraiser that really brings everyone together.”
Assembly member Cecelia Aguiar-Curry joined Thompson in addressing their constituents discussing how federal changes are realistically altering the landscape of California’s Social Services. She shared “It’s not about me or the state tonight, it’s about the federal government.” Speaking on the subject she elaborated with “I’m scared to death what’s happening with our children. I want to make sure we have HeadStart. We cannot let the children down.” She described the arduous road ahead of them thanking Thompson for his commitment to keeping these necessary programs in this county.
Thompson continued his speech, recognizing the White Rose program, which honors veterans and the citizens of war-torn countries by eradicating leftover, unused explosives that have the potential to harm civilians. He stated, “We have to show our support for them, so thank you.” He individually thanked each vet, sharing what he considers to be his highest accomplishment stating, “The VA (Veteran’s Affairs) Clinic is the thing I am most proud of in my career.” Prior to the establishment of the VA Clinic, patients had to travel out of county to find specified VA services.
Though his hardest days may be ahead as Thompson shared what the full effect of these potential federal changes could be for the residents in his district. He shared “If I stayed to talk about everything going on in the federal government right now, I would miss my flight tomorrow.” With that he gave an overview of the inaccuracies that are being passed as facts currently, including the misleading information about children receiving Social Security benefits that are in fact, survivor benefits.
According to Thompson Lake County residents receive over 28 million dollars per month in funding from federal benefits. This includes but is not limited to social security benefits, survivor benefits, and Medicaid. Thompson noted that since these funds are going directly to individuals to pay their living expenses a majority of this money actually stays within the county. Since thousands of people have been fired in the Social Security system, services are harder to get and may take longer to process or even just reach someone for help as he stated “Ever try to call Social Security? You can’t.” Lastly Thompson explained how the newly increased tariffs will negatively affect the wine industry, as already Canada has stopped importing US wines.
