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January Update from Dr. Bains' Office

Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act

Cal Fire Incident Responses

Did you know that California lays off thousands of firefighters every winter? CALFIRE has never had the budget to staff year-round and now with no true ‘fire season’ in California, we need to fix that. I’ve proposed the “Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act” because it’s time we stopped asking firefighters to protect us and risk their lives with one hand tied behind their back.

Highlighting the work of our first responders

Asm Bains with first responders

I wanted to share my gratitude and appreciation for all the first responders, especially our Kern County Firefighters, who worked tirelessly to provide protection and relief from all the fires in Southern California. As the Chief Medical Officer for the Central Valley with the California Medical Assistance Team, I had the privilege to serve alongside these brave and inspiring Californians at the firebase and in the emergency shelters. Thank you for everything you do to keep us safe.

Delivering on key issues for Kern County

Asm Bains Committees

I look forward to working on and delivering on key issues for Kern County this year!

I am laser-focused on improving affordability for working families. Everything is too expensive: gas, heating and cooling your home, groceries, and insurance rates, to name a few.

I will also be marching forward in my effort to bring a UC medical school to Kern County. The medical school is no longer “IF” we can get one, but a “WHEN” and “HOW.”

My committee assignments for the year include continuing as the chair for the Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and sitting on the committees for Business & Professions, Emergency Management, Revenue & Taxation, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife.

Time to roll up the sleeves and get to work!

Doctor's Note

Keep your family safe during and after a wildfire

With this month's doctor’s note, I wanted to share some precautionary measures you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones if there is wildfire smoke in your areas.

Wildfire smoke contains particles that can affect the lungs and the heart. Exposure to high concentrations of wildfire smoke is especially hazardous for people with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions.

According to the California Department of Health:

  • Stay indoors if possible
  • Adjust your AC to avoid drawing in smoky air
  • When outside - reduce physical activity to reduce inhalation of smoky air
  • When outside – wear the right mask such as a well-fitting N95 or p100 respirator mask

For more tips and additional resources, visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/Wildfire%20Pages/Smoke-Ash-Safety.aspx

In good health,

Dr Bains signature

Dr. Jasmeet Bains
Assemblymember, 35th District