[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 118 (Tuesday, July 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SENATOR BILL DODD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2023

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Senator Bill Dodd, who was recognized by the Napa County Farm Bureau 
with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. Senator Dodd is presented 
with this award for his effectiveness in resolving public policy issues 
and consistent dedication to Napa County and the Napa County Farm 
Bureau.
  Senator Dodd was born and raised on a small farm in Napa. He earned 
his bachelor of arts degree in business administration from California 
State University, Chico. During college he was involved in student 
government, serving on the Policy Advisory Board and as president of 
the Inter-Fraternity Council. Before being elected to the State Senate, 
he owned and operated one of the largest full-service Culligan Water 
operations in California and served as president of the water quality 
industry's state and national trade associations. In 1985, he was 
elected President of the Pacific Water Quality Association (PWQA) and 
in 1994 he was elected to National Water Quality Association (WQA). 
During his tenure, the industry embraced third-party certification of 
water treatment products and lobbied in Sacramento on important 
legislation to protect consumers.
  ln 2000, Senator Dodd was elected to the Napa County Board of 
Supervisors. During his service, he helped complete the Napa flood 
control project--which protects thousands of properties from flooding--
restored 900 acres of environmental wetlands and secured $1 billion in 
investment for local businesses. After 14 years on the Board of 
Supervisors, he was elected to the California State Assembly where he 
worked to help small businesses, protect the environment, and support 
seniors and working families. He advanced a balanced, sustainable 
budget that invests in our state's education system from preschool 
through higher education. Senator Dodd also helped establish the 
state's Earned Income Tax Credit, promoted career technical education, 
and supported the creation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National 
Monument that preserved over 330,000 acres of the California Coast 
Ranges in Napa, Yolo, Solano, Lake, Colusa, Glenn and Mendocino 
counties.
  After a year in the Assembly, Senator Dodd was elected to the 
California State Senate, representing California's 3rd district which 
encompasses all of Napa, Solano, and Yolo counties and portions of 
Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Sacramento counties. He serves as the chair 
of the Senate Governmental Organization Committee and is a co-chair of 
the Senate Select Committee on California's Wine Industry and the 
Legislative Delta Caucus. Senator Dodd's work has covered many topics 
from improving public education and the environment to data privacy and 
protecting seniors. He has established himself as 1 of the most 
prolific lawmakers in our state, writing 99 bills that have been signed 
into law. In addition, he has been a leader on wildfire safety and 
prevention legislation, writing numerous bills to protect Californians 
from future fires and accompanying utility rate hikes.
  When he is not at the State Capitol, Senator Dodd enjoys spending 
time with his wife Mary and their 5 children and 12 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Senator Dodd is deeply appreciated for his dedication to 
solving policy issues. There is no doubt that Senator Dodd has been a 
dedicated advocate for Napa County and beyond. It is therefore fitting 
and proper that we honor him here today.

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