Prior to being elected, Manuel was a community health director for a local clinic system and in that capacity he worked to improve the health status of families in the Coachella Valley. Therefore, he understands that many issues influence a person’s health — not only access to affordable medical care and a primary care physician, but also clean air and water, and safe and walkable communities.
Now in the Legislature, Manuel has brought that experience to bear as a member of the Assembly Committee on Health. Through legislation, he has helped to ensure access to childhood immunizations, raise awareness of the community health workers for community-based prevention, and help small disadvantaged communities compete on an equal playing field for state funds in the Safe Routes to School program. He has also worked with local law enforcement and community groups to form a task force on youth violence prevention.
Manuel has also focused his efforts on two serious environmental health issues in the 80th Assembly District: the blighted and toxic New River — which runs from the border all the way north to the Salton Sea — and the arsenic contaminated drinking wells in the East Coachella Valley. Addressing these issues not only improves health and well being of constituents, but it also spurs economic development.