[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 191 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1059-E1060]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MADDY INSTITUTE

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 25th 
anniversary of the Maddy Institute, headquartered at California State 
University, Fresno, for its extraordinary contributions to civic 
education, leadership development, and public policy engagement in the 
San Joaquin Valley, California, and our Nation.
  The Maddy Institute was founded in 1999 through California Senate 
Bill 733, making it the first and only public policy institute formally 
established by the California Legislature. Since its inception, the 
institute has embodied the vision and values of its namesake, the late 
Senator Kenneth L. Maddy, a distinguished public servant whose nearly 
three decades in the California Legislature were marked by integrity, 
bipartisanship, and a deep commitment to the people of the Central 
Valley.
  Guided by this purpose, the Maddy Institute has pursued a clear and 
enduring mission: to provide a nonpartisan venue for thoughtful 
dialogue on pressing public policy issues; to strengthen civic 
participation; to prepare the next generation of leaders; and to 
enhance the engagement, efficiency, and effectiveness of government at 
all levels.
  Over the past quarter century, The Maddy Institute has become a 
cornerstone of civic life in the San Joaquin Valley. Through its 
flagship programs, The Maddy Report, Valley Views radio program, and 
The Maddy Daily news aggregator, the institute has informed and engaged 
thousands of residents, ensuring that critical policy issues are 
accessible to the communities they affect.
  The institute's impact extends far beyond information sharing. Its 
leadership and internship initiatives, including the ``Maddy Interns 
and Costa Scholars'' programs respectively, have opened doors for 
countless students to serve in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., 
equipping them with the knowledge and experience to become the next 
generation of civic, business, and nonprofit leaders. Its forums and 
summits, including the recently launched Ag Policy Summit, bring 
together leaders from across sectors to address some of the most 
complex challenges facing California's heartland.
  From producing groundbreaking documentaries on air quality to 
championing civic engagement through the Citizenship Academy, The Maddy 
Institute has consistently elevated public discourse and advanced 
practical solutions for regional statewide challenges. Its alumni now 
hold leadership roles in business, education, government, law, and 
public service, carrying forward Senator Maddy's enduring legacy.
  In 2024, the Institute marked another milestone with the appointment 
of Blake Zante, a proud Maddy alumnus, as its Executive Director, 
building upon the leadership of Mark Keppler, who guided the Institute 
for two transformative decades. Today, The Maddy Institute continues to 
thrive as a collaborative partnership among four universities: 
California State University Fresno, California State University 
Bakersfield, California State University Stanislaus, and the University 
of California Merced, an unprecedented model for regional innovation 
and civic leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating The Maddy 
Institute for its 25 years of service, its ongoing commitment to civic 
leadership and public service, and its enduring impact on the future of 
our Valley and the State of California.

[[Page E1060]]

  

                          ____________________