•On Aug. 4, U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla (D-California) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced the adoption of a bipartisan resolution to celebrate National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 3 through 9). The resolution recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bringing communities together, supporting livelihoods, and enriching the lives of millions of Americans, from farmers and food producers to consumers. U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-Hanford) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives. “We should all take time to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together every week at farmers market stalls,” Padilla said. “Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and bring consumers closer to the farmers who feed them. California and our more than 700 farmers markets will continue to cherish these spaces as a source of nutrition and community.” In 2020, farmers markets accounted for $1.7 billion in income for American farmers, according to Padilla’s office. Farm groups across the country have celebrated National Farmers Market Week for more than 25 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially recognized National Farmers Market Week since 2021.
• On July 31, U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff (D-California) and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado) introduced the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, which would grant homeowners in areas that have received disaster declarations from the president, governors, or tribal leaders 180 days of mortgage forbearance to support household recovery, along with an option of a 180-day extension without accumulation of interest or penalties. The act would provide mortgage relief for disaster survivors across the country, helping alleviate financial hardships. Anyone residing in an area that has received a disaster declaration from any of the aforementioned authorities from Jan. 1, 2025, would be eligible to request forbearance. “Earlier this year, we watched as families in Los Angeles were devastated by wildfires, and to date, many homeowners are still struggling to rebuild from this disaster,” Schiff said in a statement. “I am proud to introduce this bill so that those who have been affected by natural disasters receive the assistance they need when they need it the most. As natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change, it is critical that we pave a path to stability for homeowners in times of crisis. This is an issue that impacts both red and blue states alike, and I’ll push hard to ensure Congress passes this legislation.” Sen. Bennet stated that “when mounting financial and emotional costs of recovery” weigh on families impacted by catastrophic disasters, “they should be able to take time to put their lives back together and rebuild their homes.” The Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act is endorsed by the National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), National Low Income Housing Center, National Housing Law Project, Consumer Watchdog, Consumer Federation of America, and Neighborhood Housing Services LA, according to Schiff’s office. U.S. Reps. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Disasters don’t just destroy homes—they deepen the financial hardship for the lowest income families who were already struggling to make ends meet,” Renee Willis, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. “By enacting the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, Congress can ensure that impacted low-income homeowners can pause their payments while they recover, preventing displacement and ensuring families can stay in their communities after disasters strike.”
This article appears in Aug 7-17, 2025.