Mark DeSaulnier

Mr. Speaker, I regret that I cast my vote incorrectly on Roll Call No. 309, on passage of H.R. 9576, the National Fraud Enforcement Division Act. I mistakenly voted YEA when I intended to vote NAY.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Contra Costa Senior Legal Services (CCSLS) as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Since 1976, CCSLS has worked tirelessly to improve quality of life and provide accessible legal assistance, advocacy, and education for Contra Costa's seniors.

CCSLS has demonstrated their steadfast commitment to serving vulnerable populations in our community. Around 1,000 clients per year receive guidance with issues that adversely affect the lives of seniors. By providing legal advice, advocacy, educational resources, and representation with tenants' rights, consumer protection, simple wills, and public benefits issues, CCSLS has successfully protected their clients from physical, financial, and emotional abuse. From helping clients stay in their homes to navigating Social Security benefits, CCSLS has shown their dedication to providing accessible support to our community's seniors.

They also work to educate our community members through local outreach events, providing seniors with the tools necessary to recognize identity theft scams or signs of elder abuse--ensuring assets are safeguarded and legal remedies are sought. County-wide, CCSLS' free legal clinics are staffed by pro-bono attorneys who provide information and advice on general legal issues. As a result, they have helped their clients avoid eviction, fight against unsafe housing, legally grant Power of Attorney, appeal Social Security denials, and file restraining orders against those who commit elder abuse. Last year alone, CCSLS helped recover over $190,000 for Contra Costa's seniors, provided 530 hours of pro-bono service, and hosted 106 free legal clinics. CCSLS' work has touched the lives of thousands of Contra Costa residents, and they have had a profound impact in our community.

Please join me in honoring Contra Costa Senior Legal Services for their critical work and in celebrating their 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Scott Haggerty.

Scott served as an Alameda County Supervisor for 24 years. First elected to represent District 1 in 1996, he worked tirelessly on behalf of working families, championed transportation initiatives, and supported vulnerable populations within the community.

During his tenure in public service, Scott drove many initiatives that improved the lives and wellbeing of his constituents. Transportation was often at the forefront of these initiatives. He spearheaded the Valley Link Rail Project, a planned zero-emission passenger rail system linking the Dublin BART station and the Mountain House community in San Joaquin County. As a leader on the Alameda County Transportation Commission and Metropolitan Transportation Commission, he oversaw key transit ventures such as the BART extension to Warm Springs, carpool and express lanes on Interstate 580, and the Highway 84 Expressway. Because of his efforts, Scott was named the California Transportation Foundation's Person of the Year in 2020.

Scott was also a proponent of renewable energy. In 2021, the Scott Haggerty Wind Energy Center brought energy to more than 45,000 homes through 23 new wind turbines in Altamont Pass.

Scott's leadership and service touched many lives in the community. Through his involvement with various non-profits, such as serving as a board member on Alameda County Meals on Wheels and chairing the Twin Valley District of the Boy Scouts of America, Scott worked diligently to serve his region. He was also involved in the creation of Goodness Village, which provides a safe and supportive community of tiny homes to previously unhoused individuals in the Tri-Valley.

Sadly, Scott passed away on July 5, 2026. Please join us in honoring Scott for his unwavering dedication to the community, his outstanding leadership, and his invaluable contributions to our region.